French student groups have announced plans to resume high school blockades from Monday, November 2, as protests over deteriorating education conditions, inequality and the rising cost of living continue across the country.
Pierre Sourzat, head of the student group Les Lycéens!, said some schools would be blocked when students return from a two-week holiday, with the demonstrations expected to become more widespread from Tuesday.
Speaking to French broadcaster RMC on Sunday, Sourzat urged students to support those taking part in the planned action, insisting that the government had not adequately addressed their concerns.
The renewed mobilisation follows a package of measures announced by the French government to respond to student demands. The proposals include changes to the university admissions system, support for school renovations and plans to reduce class sizes. However, student representatives argue that the measures fall short of what is needed.
Sourzat criticised the proposed reform of Parcoursup, France’s university admissions platform, saying it would not resolve the shortage of places in higher education. He also questioned plans to reduce class sizes, arguing that the proposed changes would not cover all year groups.
Separately, Sabrine Kharbach, spokeswoman for the Union Étudiante, said university and high school blockades were planned for Tuesday and Thursday. The student actions are expected to coincide with wider demonstrations and labour mobilisation over economic conditions.
President Emmanuel Macron has urged students to return to classes peacefully, saying their concerns have been heard. However, Sourzat rejected that position, arguing that the government’s response had not delivered meaningful change.
The renewed school blockades come after hundreds of thousands of people, including students and university representatives, joined demonstrations across France on Saturday, October 31, for a third consecutive weekend of protests.