Student protests continue despite holidays

High school students in France have not received a response to their demands after several weeks of blockades and demonstrations. As the autumn school holidays begin this Friday, uncertainty remains about whether the protests will resume after the break.

Vacations may weaken but not end the movement

With over 2.6 million high school students on vacation starting this Friday, the mobilizations will likely weaken. However, students who have been protesting for weeks argue that the break will not extinguish their anger but will allow them to organize and take a break.

Student voices on the impact of the holidays

N., a high school student from Rennes in her final year, says the vacation will give them a little rest but that they need to be realistic about their exhaustion. She emphasizes that they are blocking because of clear demands and will continue as long as they do not get concrete measures.

Student perspectives on the movement’s legitimacy

F., another final-year student, says the movement will not stop. He notes that the students’ determination comes from their conviction in the legitimacy of their demands. He expresses disappointment with the "ridiculous" proposals made by the government.

Growing participation and shared concerns

C., a 17-year-old student, says the movement has grown significantly since the blockades began. Students from different grades are participating, and everyone wants change. A., a final-year student, adds that even in difficult moments, the number of protesters has continued to grow.

Teachers see holidays as a chance to plan

Anne, a high school teacher, says the holidays will be an opportunity to organize the continuation of the movement. She acknowledges that resuming classes will be difficult because students are determined to push forward, though she warns that some could feel stressed if classes do not resume normally.

Upcoming mobilization draws broad support

To gauge the motivation of high school students, it was only necessary to ask them about Saturday, October 17. Almost all of those questioned planned to participate in this mobilization, which is described as a "convergence of struggles" involving students, some trade unions, and "yellow vests." The movement is seen as unpredictable and difficult to anticipate.