By Reese Kovacs
As economic pressures rise and education opportunities dwindle, French protests have broken out across the country. Beginning with student strikes in mid-September, and gaining further traction as October comes to a close, labor unions and even protest groups, such as the giletes jaunes, have joined the outcry.
Primarily a student-led operation to reform education, in recent weeks the protests have shifted to a heavier and more threatening reflection of not only schooling, but also the price of living.
Frida Nassar, a sophomore at IHS, said, “For the students I can understand and I do support their decision to start the revolts because their education system is really bad and it desperately needs a change. I know there’s been a lot of controversy on how much it’s expanded to lighting things on fire and I do believe it is dangerous and bad but at the same time if the government wants it to stop they should listen to the students.”
Now, the protests have begun to include other neglected aspects of French living, especially economic issues such as a high cost of living, an increase in fuel and energy prices, and unmaintained public services. Students and labor unions work against the favor of the government as they attempt to bring the government to realize the real and pursuing issues in France.
“I’ve seen a lot about these protests online,” Alexandra Simic, a sophomore at IHS, said. “I thought that it was interesting to see so many people standing up against the government.”
Over 550,000 people have marched in these protests. Though they originated as peaceful protests, they have started to become potentially dangerous riots as buildings are set on fire and public spaces are vandalized and looted.
The police response, however, has been equally as damaging. They have tear-gassed marchers and silenced unrest. Additionally, President Emmanuel Macron has put curfews and further security measures in place.
“It almost feels dystopian to see this,” Alexandra added.
The movement’s actions have resulted in little change, however, protesters are still pushing for the government’s attention in order to improve their lives and the lives of others.
