Student movement enters critical week

New mobilizations are expected during a "turning point week" for the future of the student movement, with several large demonstrations already planned. The week begins on Tuesday, October 13, with "act V" of the student movement, a new major demonstration initiated by student unions.

Public and student expectations

Henry Blunden, a student at the Simone-Weil High School in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, speaking to BFMTV, estimates that "this week will be very important. There will be two major demonstrations. I think we will see the appearance of parents who have seen the scenes at the Bastille and who want to protect their children." He adds that "I do not think that the holidays will be a stop for the student movement."

Expanding movement goals

For the day of October 17, the demands are mainly focused on purchasing power, a theme distant from those raised by students. Amjad Brik, a student at Madeleine-Michelis High School in Amiens, in the Somme, during a press conference, says "the goal is for this movement to develop beyond school conditions."

Government response and public opinion

As a first response to student anger, the Minister of National Education, Édouard Geffray, announced on Thursday the arrival within the coming days of 3,000 substitute teachers in the most difficult schools. At the end of last week, 96% of schools had been able to reopen across the country. A majority of French people (54%) support the student protest movement, but not all their demands generate the same level of support, according to a survey by Ipsos-BVA Cesi engineering school for La Tribune on Sunday.