French school protests send shivers down the government's spine
Widespread student protests across France have led to the closure of hundreds of schools and sparked concerns within the Macron government. The movement, which began in low-income areas, has escalated into violence and property damage, creating political instability ahead of elections.
Why it matters
Youth-led protests in France have historically been a catalyst for broader social and political change, making this a significant challenge for the current administration.
Figure caption, Watch: Why are students staging protests at schools in France?
It is a piece of wisdom that all French leaders take care to heed: young people on the street equals trouble.
Since the student protests of May 1968 – memorably described by President De Gaulle as chienlit (bed defecation, in other words chaos) – every government has run scared of angry French youth.
Why? Because youth movements are unpredictable and shapeless, often with no clear structure to negotiate with. Because when they protest, other groups join in.
Also: because as they're young, the public tends to sympathise. And because if the police mess up and cause injury or worse, then the consequences are incalculable. And presidential elections are only months away.
For all these reasons, when la jeunesse en colère (angry youth) is at the barricades governments tread very carefully indeed.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Watch: Why are students protesting at schools in France?
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France Blames "Radical Left" For Violence Amid Intensifying School Protests
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