Student protests in France: “We are not being listened to”

Shortly before the demonstration gets underway, the protesters sing the French national anthem, version of the student protests: "Aux armes, lycéens" - "To arms, students".

However, the martial lyrics of the national anthem don't really fit the mood on the Place de la République in the heart of Paris. Because it is determined, but so far peaceful. Khalil and Esperanza go to school in Massy, ​​south of Paris. Above all, they demand more money in the school system.

“I came to protest against teacher job cuts,” says Khalil. "It is said that they are being canceled because there will be fewer students in the future for demographic reasons. But this is just intended to save money. And that means that in some classes there are up to 35 students. These are not the conditions for learning."

"It's scandalous that the money goes to less important areas like the army," says Esperanza. "It is education that saves the nation."

Esperanza, Khalil and their friend Nassim want to show solidarity with the students in the Seine-Saint-Denis department north of Paris. A particularly large number of socially disadvantaged people live there. That's where most of the money is missing. The protests began there in mid-September.

Many parents are also there - for protection

Toni Tremblay is a math teacher in Seine-Saint-Denis and representative of the SNES-FSU union. "We've been protesting for three years," he says. "Teachers, MPs and parents have been calling for an emergency plan for the department for three years. And all we get in response is contempt for the government and sending the police to us. We don't think this response is appropriate. We want educational policy answers."

Since the big pension protests in 2023, the Place de la République has rarely been so full of people during a demonstration. In addition to pupils, students and teachers, many parents are also there this time - for protection. Trade unions and left-wing political parties also sent security services.

"We are always mocked"

Recently, the protests have also been characterized by violence, partly on the part of the demonstrators, but also on the part of the police. This is now shaping the media and political debate about the protests, but it distorts the picture, says student Esperanza: "The violence is overrepresented. Of course there are fireworks flying, we can't deny that."

Esperanza admits that there is violence from young people. But that is a tiny fraction compared to those who demonstrate and simply want to make their voices heard. "The media is talking a lot about the violence and little about what we are demanding. That's why we are protesting. We are not listened to enough, we are always ridiculed."

General social tension

For many at the Paris demonstration, it's about more than overloaded timetables, canceled classes and dilapidated buildings. They see the student protests as a symbol of general social tension.

A demo participant asks on his poster whether the students are the new yellow vests. Esperanza might not go that far, but she wants to fight until all of the students' demands are met - or at least they come as close to it as possible.