Protests escalated across France on Tuesday as high school students blocked dozens of schools while public-sector workers went on strike over planned budget cuts. The demonstrations come just two days before the government is due to present its draft budget for 2027 and around seven months before the presidential election.
Student protests have intensified in recent days, with pupils raising concerns over overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages. France’s Education Ministry said more than 330 high schools had been affected. In Lille, garbage containers were set on fire outside a school, while around 40 protesters were arrested, according to French media cited by Reuters.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described protests at schools as irresponsible but acknowledged that the problems facing high schools need to be heard and addressed. Public-sector workers are also protesting the government’s budget plans, which include a proposed freeze on the base salaries of state employees in 2027, intended to save around €2 billion. Trade unions say this would mark the fourth consecutive annual freeze and the eighth during President Emmanuel Macron’s presidency.
The government is seeking a total of €54 billion in savings through the 2027 budget as France faces slower-than-expected economic growth and continued pressure to reduce its fiscal deficit. Teachers, firefighters and other public-sector employees also joined demonstrations, with the civil aviation regulator warning of possible disruption at some airports.
