Students and professors across France have joined a movement that began in high schools, responding to issues such as police brutality and a government seen as unresponsive to youth demands. This has sparked broader questions about the state of democracy in the country. A notable image from the protests is the facade of the Gaston Bachelard high school in Paris (XIIIth arrondissement), which was set on fire. While some may view this as arson, others argue it is a form of expression reflecting deeper concerns rather than acts of savagery. The actions are interpreted as a call for change and an evaluation of President Macron's leadership over the past years. The current protests follow the suppression of the Yellow Vest movement and the ongoing revolts in high schools and among students. The government's response has been compared to Otto Dix's painting The Skat Players, which depicts a gallery of broken, disfigured faces—though France is not currently at war. The situation is likened to an alcoholic father beating his children, with students rising up to denounce poor teaching conditions, dilapidated school buildings, and a lack of teachers. Their anger is seen as legitimate but ignored and mocked. Behind the calls for change lies a deeper sense of malaise and fear of the future. French youth would accept less-than-ideal conditions if they were given a sense of perspective, but instead, they face ongoing challenges. Being a high school student in France is described as being young and constantly facing adversity. In the past, France was praised for maintaining order and managing crowds, allowing freedom to demonstrate and express anger. However, current responses have included beatings, maiming with batons, and the use of disengagement grenades. Police are now present in large numbers during protests, arresting demonstrators and controlling the crowd. Laurent Nuñez, Minister of the Interior, claims youth is increasingly violent but is unable to control his officers, who are seen as representing brute force. France is said to be in a crisis of authoritarianism, described as deaf, stubborn, and more foolish than ever. Meanwhile, Sébastien Lecornu, the Prime Minister, writes letters and creates roadmaps that lead nowhere. Twenty years ago, Lecornu was 20 years old, similar to today's students, and experienced the mobilization against the first employment contract (CPE). This moment was foundational for many young people, shaping their socialization and politicization. They discovered their power as citizens, developed a critical spirit, and were intellectually formed. People like Lecornu were targeted with boogers in amphitheaters, inspiring the slogan: "Young, you are old, join the UMP." Today's youth, however, is said to be deprived of such experiences, with the current power in France viewed as abject and deadly.