France is currently witnessing massive protests led by students and youths, with demands similar to those made during the 1968 French Student Uprising. The protests, which began in early October 2026, have seen over 6,500 people, mostly minors, arrested. The demonstrators are calling for improved education, reduced teacher shortages, and better school infrastructure. The protests have spread to various cities, including Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille.
The 2026 protests in France have drawn comparisons to the 1968 Student Uprising, which saw over 10 million people take to the streets. The current protests have been marked by clashes between protesters and police, with over 2,500 arrests made during the October 17-18 weekend alone. Despite the tensions, the French government has engaged in dialogue with protesters, offering concessions and agreeing on routes to minimize destruction of public property.
However, not all international leaders have supported the French government's approach. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have claimed that the protests are driven by issues of immigration and integration, rather than the stated demands of the protesters. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the protests were about "Islam wanting to take over a once great country." Macron responded by accusing foreign leaders of spreading false information and manipulating public opinion.
The French economy has faced significant challenges, including a downturn in production and increasing public debt. By the second quarter of 2026, France's public debt had reached €3.5955 trillion, or 119 percent of GDP. The country's pension deficits are projected to reach €15 billion by 2035, contributing to the trade unions' decision to join the protests. France's economic woes have been exacerbated by its decreasing influence in its former African colonies.
The protests in France are not an isolated incident, as several European countries have experienced similar demonstrations. In Albania, students protested against high school fees and corruption allegations, while in Italy, protests centered on high education costs and rising hardship. In Spain and Portugal, demonstrators demanded action on housing costs and pensions.
In a notable example of student activism, Serbia's student coalition won 52.7 percent of the votes and 140 of 250 seats in the National Assembly during the October 25, 2026 parliamentary elections. The coalition, formed by students, defeated the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, which had been in power for 14 years. This outcome demonstrates the potential for student movements to effect change through the ballot box.
In contrast, Nigeria's student population has been criticized for being largely inactive in the country's struggle for change. With the 2027 general elections approaching, many Nigerian students and youths have been accused of being apathetic or co-opted by politicians. The article's author, Owei Lakemfa, warns that when students and youths mobilize, society is likely to change, but this has yet to be seen in Nigeria.
Key points
- French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected claims that the protests are driven by immigration and integration issues, instead highlighting the country's economic challenges.
- The protests in France have drawn comparisons to the 1968 Student Uprising, with similar demands for education and social reforms.
- Student activism has led to significant change in Serbia, where a student coalition won a majority of seats in the National Assembly.
