French civil servants went on strike on Tuesday, with high school students blocking school entrances in a show of discontent with planned budget cuts ahead of next year's presidential election. The protests come as opinion polls consistently show the deep unpopularity of France's centre-right government and of President Emmanuel Macron, seven months before the election.
The student protests have been gaining momentum over the past days, with TV images showing garbage containers on fire outside a high school in Lille on Tuesday. Clashes were reported between police and pupils outside a school in Lyon, and tensions were also reported outside schools in Nice. Up to 1 in 10 high school entrances were blockaded in Paris, according to French media.
A placard reading "Macron explosion" was displayed in front of the entrance of the Arago school in Paris, where students, some with their faces covered, sat and stood on dumpsters to block the entrance. A large banner in front of the Helene-Boucher school said "Fewer cops, More money". Students are demanding better funding for schools and a reduction in police presence.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned protests at high schools on Monday as irresponsible, saying on X: "Fireworks, fires, violence near high schools: Nothing justifies endangering students, staff, or police officers." However, he acknowledged that the "difficulties of high schools must be heard and addressed".
France's economy will grow less than expected this year, which will complicate the minority government's task of getting its 2027 budget passed, as it seeks to put a lid on spending and stop the fiscal deficit spiralling out of control. Lecornu said this month the government planned a €54 billion savings drive - potentially further inflaming workers in several sectors.
Teachers, firefighters and other civil servants are demanding better working conditions and asking for salary increases. French teachers are paid less on average than colleagues in other European countries. Professional firefighters, whose lack of resources was laid bare during this summer's huge wildfires, were among those set to take part in protest marches during the day.
The French civilian aviation regulator warned of disruption to flights at some airports, and healthcare workers were expected to join 170 rallies across the country later. Far-right National Rally chief Marine Le Pen and hard-left France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon are likely to qualify for next year's presidential election runoff, with Le Pen seen best placed to win, the surveys show.
Key points
- French civil servants and high school students are protesting against planned budget cuts.
- The protests come as opinion polls show the deep unpopularity of France's centre-right government and of President Emmanuel Macron.
- The government plans a €54 billion savings drive, which may further inflame workers in several sectors.
