French Protests Escalate Over Austerity Cuts and Education Policy

Hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and workers marched across France in a third national day of action, protesting against austerity cuts and educational issues such as overcrowded classrooms and unreplaced teachers. The movement is confronting the government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who is pushing through €54 billion in austerity cuts while increasing military spending. In response, Lecornu announced the suspension of regular classes in all high schools this week.

The widespread civil unrest and confrontation between the youth movement and the government challenge the political viability of the austerity measures. The government is attempting to prevent the movement from escalating into a general strike by the working class.