Student mobilizations and political unrest

Student mobilizations and calls to revive the Yellow Vest movement on Saturday are part of a long series of political and social crises since Emmanuel Macron's arrival at the Elysée in 2017. These events highlight ongoing tensions between the government and the public over economic policies and social issues.

Yellow Vest movement and its impact

The Yellow Vests movement began as an antigovernment mobilization against the increase in fuel taxes. It mobilized nearly 300,000 people across the country on Saturday, November 17, 2018, with demonstrators occupying roundabouts and blocking roads. After several weeks of protests and violence, Macron gave in to some demands, reversing the fuel tax increase and adjusting other economic policies.

Pension reform and widespread protests

At the beginning of 2023, the government's proposal to raise the legal retirement age to 64 years triggered a prolonged mobilization. Demonstrations exceeded three times 1.2 million people, according to the police. Refineries, transport, and ports were affected, with garbage strikes turning Parisian streets into open-air trash cans. The Prime Minister used a special law to pass the pension reform without a parliamentary vote.

Urban violence and state of emergency

On June 27, 2023, urban violence erupted after the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old killed by police during a traffic stop. The riots led to nearly 4,000 arrests and prompted Macron to announce a "state of emergency" bill to speed up reconstruction in affected areas. The incident highlighted growing tensions between law enforcement and the public.

Agricultural unrest and policy challenges

In the autumn of 2023, Occitan farmers protested against proposed tax increases and delays in European aid. By early 2024, powerful agricultural unions launched actions such as blocking highways and spreading manure at symbolic locations. Government instability and poor harvests worsened the situation, but the adoption of an agricultural orientation law in 2025 temporarily eased tensions, though debates over trade agreements reignited protests.

Rise of far-right and political instability

On June 9, 2024, the far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) won the European elections with 31% of the vote. Macron unexpectedly dissolved the National Assembly and called for early legislative elections. The RN achieved a historic score, becoming the largest party in the legislature. This led to political instability, including government censures and resignations, as the country struggled to form a stable executive.

School blockades and rising tensions

Starting in mid-September 2026 in Créteil, school blockades spread across France, criticizing the pressure from the Parcoursup application system, teacher shortages, poor school conditions, and heavy student workloads. The movement expanded to universities, with episodes of violence injuring minors and police. The government initially took a firm stance but later introduced measures such as deploying 3,000 substitute teachers to address the most critical situations.