School blockades in France have continued to spread and intensify, particularly in the Île-de-France region, as a public sector mobilization day is set for Tuesday. According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, 180 establishments have been affected by blockades or attempted blockades since the movement began. A total of 164 people have been arrested, including 78 on Friday. The academies of Créteil, Versailles, Grenoble, and Nice are among the main areas concerned.
The blockades are driven by various demands, including a shortage of teachers, class sizes, funding for schools, and teaching conditions. The Union syndicale lycéenne has called for the blockades to be extended across the country on the public sector mobilization day. This comes as discussions around the 2027 budget and public services funding are underway. The government and La France insoumise (LFI) have opposing views on the movement.
The situation has become increasingly violent, with several schools experiencing fires, fireworks, and clashes with law enforcement. The Île-de-France region reported 60 disrupted schools, 10 damaged establishments, and 11 injured students or staff the previous week. The government has attributed the violence to "urban violence" and maintains a reinforced security presence.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has criticized LFI for supporting the blockades, accusing them of "outbidding" and instrumentalizing the youth's anger. However, he acknowledged that the difficulties faced in schools must be addressed. LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the government of "repression" against high school students.
Several LFI officials have expressed support for the mobilizations and called for their extension. The Interior Minister has stated that law enforcement will intervene in cases of violence or total school blockades. A reinforced security presence will be maintained around schools.
The public sector mobilization day will test the government's response to the blockades, teaching conditions, and broader public sector mobilization. The situation remains tense as discussions around the 2027 budget and public services funding continue.
The developments have sparked concerns about the impact on education and the government's handling of the situation. The issue has become increasingly politicized, with the government and LFI at odds over the blockades and the response to the youth's demands.
Key points
- 180 French schools have been affected by blockades or attempted blockades since the movement began.
- 164 people have been arrested in connection with the blockades.
- The situation has become increasingly violent, with reports of fires, fireworks, and clashes with law enforcement.
