Students continue mobilization efforts

October 17 marked a significant step in the ongoing social movement in France, as students continued their mobilization efforts. Talia, a student participating in the demonstrations, stated that the group had been mobilizing for three weeks and planned to rest during the holidays before resuming their efforts on November 2.

Demonstration in Lille

She and her classmates had demonstrated in the streets of Lille two days earlier, marching joyfully and furiously in a declared union procession. During the demonstration, Talia experienced tear gas but did not encounter the chaos that occurred on the margins of the large march in the city center.

Reaction to presidential address

Following the demonstration, Talia watched the president's intervention. She admitted she did not expect President Macron to respond to their demands but was curious about his response to the ongoing social movement. However, she expressed disappointment, stating she felt she had lost eight minutes of her life listening to the speech.

University assemblies prepare for next steps

Since the presidential address, general assemblies have been held at various sites on the University of Lille campus to prepare for the continuation of the mobilization. Cité Scientifique, a campus without entrances or exits, has become a focal point for these assemblies, which are organized outdoors.

Messages and alternative mobilization

The campus walls are adorned with tags that convey messages to those passing through. Michelle, sitting next to Talia, noted that these messages are visible to everyone. One tag reads "Angry, not fascist," while others indicate the path from the metro exit to the Open University, which is open to all and launched by a collective of female students.

Reappropriation of study spaces

Michelle explained that the demonstrations aim to show that there are alternative forms of mobilization. She emphasized that the actions are taking place outside the public road and are a reappropriation of study spaces. Workshops and courses related to social struggles are being offered under a pavilion.