For weeks, schoolchildren in France have been protesting the education system, citing issues such as inadequate infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms. Critics argue that despite France's significant investment of 6.7% of its GDP in education, the funds are not distributed fairly, leading to deteriorating conditions in many schools.
Cellphone videos shared on social media show problems like vermin in school buildings and burst pipes. At the Lycee Paul Eluard in Saint-Denis, students reported issues with heating and ventilation, particularly during extreme temperatures. The protests, which have spread nationwide, highlight ongoing frustrations with the education system.
The French government is responsible for paying teachers and setting curricula, while local governments manage school maintenance. This division has resulted in slow progress on renovations, with over 80% of elementary school buildings being over 50 years old and 10 to 20% needing serious repairs. Ile-de-France has initiated a 10-year renovation program costing €6.6 billion ($7.4 billion), but many schools still lack adequate climate control.
Despite significant spending on upper secondary education, OECD data shows that France spends less per primary school pupil than the average for industrialized countries. The government has attempted to address these disparities by halving class sizes in disadvantaged areas and creating additional teaching positions.
In response to the protests, Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced plans to recruit over 3,000 supply teachers and utilize software to identify schools in need. The protests have been fueled by a recent OECD report indicating that over one-third of 15-year-olds in France do not meet basic math competency levels.
Criticism has also been directed at President Emmanuel Macron's reforms, which have altered the upper secondary education system. Students have reported difficulties with scheduling due to the new subject selection process. Additionally, universities face challenges, with some classes exceeding capacity and lessons frequently canceled.
The financial constraints faced by the government complicate efforts to improve the education system. Although the draft budget for 2027 includes an additional €1.2 billion for education, it also proposes cuts to teaching positions due to declining student numbers.
As protests continue, some political groups, including the far-left France Unbowed party, have aligned themselves with the students, leading to accusations from the government of political exploitation of the situation. With the presidential election approaching, the protests are becoming intertwined with broader political tensions in France.