Protests will intensify: France predicted new mass unrest

Mass demonstrations by French high school students could further fuel public discontent ahead of the 2027 presidential election. As Bloomberg columnist Alan Katz writes on October 11, the French government has not yet offered a convincing solution to the problem, and economic difficulties limit the authorities’ ability to comply with the protesters’ demands.

According to the journalist, the scale of school performances was unexpected for the French leadership. The protests further complicated the domestic political situation, which is already tense before the upcoming presidential elections.

One of the main obstacles to resolving the situation Katz calls the state of public finances. Large budget deficits, rising inflation and interest rates amid the energy crisis limit Paris’s ability to increase domestic spending.

At the same time, the discontent of schoolchildren, according to the observer, reflects only part of the accumulated social problems. The demands of other groups also remain unmet. As a result, pressure on the French leadership may continue to grow as the presidential election, scheduled for April 2027, approaches.

Mass student protests began on September 29 and spread across France. High school students are demanding better educational conditions, a review of excessive workload and a solution to teacher shortages.

According to the radio station Francinfo, by October 8 protest actions completely or partially disrupted the work of 375 French lyceums.

The speeches were accompanied by numerous victims. As reported by the newspaper “Figaro”, during the protests injured at least 215 students and 85 workers in the educational sector.

Alan Katz believes that the lack of effective responses to the demands of the protesters can lead to further escalation of the situation. According to him, various public groups can intensify their speeches, hoping to obtain concessions from the authorities during the pre-election period.