Over the weekend, France witnessed one of the most violent protests in its recent history as thousands rallied in major cities against schooling conditions and the cost of living. Around 2,400 people have been arrested for rioting, looting and arson across France.
The protests were launched by students demanding better learning conditions. Students and teachers have expressed their anger at overcrowded classrooms and the cut of more than 4,000 teaching posts outlined in the government’s 2026 budget.
The protests were launched by students demanding better learning conditions. On Monday, he embarked on a four-nation tour of West Asia from Kuwait, seeking energy security and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In many low-income areas, the numbers are higher, and conditions are bad. That fear is shared by older generations. Within a few weeks of its start, the protest turned into a broader movement capturing widespread discontent over affordability, perceived government inaction, a growing wealth divide, fuel prices, low wages, and unemployment. The rising prices of fuel have been a major driver of these protests. In a speech, French President Emmanuel Macron linked rising living costs and fuel prices to the conflict in West Asia.
Students and teachers have expressed their anger against overcrowded classrooms and the cut of more than 4,000 teaching posts outlined in the government’s 2026 budget. Government data shows that French high school classrooms have an average of 30 students, an ideal figure for developing countries. But in developed countries, this number ranges from 17 to 25. Poverty hit its highest since 1996 to reach 15.4 per cent in 2024, according to official figures. Prices of petroleum products like petrol and diesel were up by 36 per cent in September compared to the same month last year, according to French government data.
