French high school students mobilize before Thursday nationwide protests, Digi Mart USA News (France): High school and university students were once again mobilized on Thursday morning to denounce the lack of resources in the national education system, ahead of demonstrations scheduled across France later in the day against the high cost of living.
In Strasbourg, several dozen high school students gathered in front of the Marie Curie high school for an attempted blockade, before being quickly dispersed by police. Students said the movement was reaching more people as demonstrations were planned throughout France.
One 14-year-old student told AFP that the movement had lost some momentum earlier in the week but that motivated participants remained. A 15-year-old second-year student complained that school days were too long, noting that students in other countries have lighter schedules and still do well.
A 17-year-old student said students wanted heating that works, adding that they were freezing at the moment.
In Paris, attempts to block several schools were also prevented by police deployed across the capital. Riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters in front of the Honoré-de-Balzac high school in the 17th arrondissement and the Hélène-Boucher high school in the 20th arrondissement.
In Bordeaux, about one hundred students gathered before 9 a.m. in front of the Montaigne high school in the city center to block access with garbage bins.
A 19-year-old preparatory-class student who asked to remain anonymous said government announcements about Parcoursup could be empty promises that might only be implemented after the current administration leaves office.
In Toulouse, Sciences Po students continued a blockade of their institution that began on October 1, after a pause during the school holidays. The students said they supported high school demands, including the abolition of Parcoursup, improvements to school buildings and an increase in the education budget.
