School protests send shivers down French government's spine
Widespread student protests in France have led to the closure of hundreds of schools and caused significant property damage. The French government is reportedly concerned about the potential for these protests to escalate and gain broader public support.
Why it matters
Student-led unrest in France has historically served as a catalyst for broader social and political change, posing a significant challenge to the current administration.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, Since the infamous protests of 1968, French governments have known the power of young people taking to the streets
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.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
France school protests escalate into ‘urban violence’ as PM calls crisis cabinet meeting
French school protests spread as fires, blockades deepen unrest
Student protests grip France as Prime Minister Lecornu calls crisis meeting
France rocked by protests as nearly 400 schools close amid student-police clashes
France Blames "Radical Left" For Violence Amid Intensifying School Protests
Student protests rage across France as PM holds crisis meeting
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in