Protests over education and economy are growing in France
In the protests that began in France in September and peaked on October 17 with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people, demands are being made for better educational conditions, the cost of living, and the protection of public services. While clashes with security forces occurred during the demonstrations, the deterioration in economic data draws attention.
Large-scale protests organized across France with the participation of students, labor unions, and workers focus on reactions against disruptions in the education system and the rising cost of living. Regarding participation in the demonstrations held on October 17, the French Ministry of Interior gave a figure of 550,000, while organizers stated that this number reached 800,000.
At the root of the protests are educational problems such as teacher shortages in schools, inadequate buildings, and overcrowded classrooms. Economist Thomas Piketty points out that real public expenditure per student in higher education decreased by approximately 20 percent between 2017 and 2026.
The negative picture in economic data also triggers social unrest. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), consumer prices in France increased by 3.1 percent year-on-year in September 2026. In addition, the unemployment rate in the 15-24 age group rose to 21.6 percent in the second quarter of 2026. France's 2025 budget deficit reached 152.5 billion euros, accounting for 5.1 percent of GDP.
Security measures were increased after the demonstrations turned into looting, arson, and attacks on public buildings in some cities. The police detained hundreds of people during the incidents.
Sources
- rudaw.net · Link