France’s School Protests Come Amid Wider Trouble

Nationwide protests have erupted across France over under-resourced schools, and more students keep arriving at the barricades, joined by educators, parents, and union activists. The government says around 250,000 people participated in yesterday’s demonstrations across more than 40 cities, while union leaders claim the crowd size was at least twice that.

What do they want? The protestors are demanding more teachers and classroom upgrades.

Hundreds of people were injured amid street chaos in recent days, including a 15-year-old who lost his hand after picking up a police grenade. More than 5,000 protesters have been arrested since the protests began last month. The government suspended classes tomorrow and Friday so students can meet with school leaders.

Unrest in cash-strapped times

The growing protests come as France’s government struggles to keep its budget deficit below its goal of 5% of its GDP. The French government proposed a 1.7% education budget increase for next year, which is below inflation.

Zoom out: It’s not the only area of struggle for the French economy. Markets are roiling thanks to ballooning national debt, plus they aren’t thrilled that populists on the left and right are the leading contenders in the upcoming election. France’s 10-year government bond yields—which move in the opposite direction to prices—topped 5% last week, the highest level since 2002. The French stock index dropped 5% in the past month.—SK

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