Why France has struggled to address students’ demands amid budget pressure

Students and teachers take to streets

Youth-led protests began last month amid deteriorating school conditions, economic concerns and opposition to government budget cuts. Demonstrators have called for better education facilities and more public investment.

Teachers have joined the protests over low pay. French teachers earn less on average than counterparts in countries including Germany, according to the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2026 report.

Protesters have carried signs saying, “We have a future to build, not to endure”. Students have also voiced concern about shrinking public resources and the rising cost of living.

Budget dispute fuels frustration

The protests come as the government proposes a 54-billion-euro ($60bn) package of spending cuts and tax measures for the 2027 budget. The plan includes freezes on civil servant salaries.

Journalist Amine Snoussi said public high schools are in dire condition because government funds are being spent elsewhere. The article also cites data from economist Lucas Chancel showing that inflation-adjusted public spending per student on higher education, student life and research has fallen 20 percent since 2017.

France’s deficit is forecast to reach 5.4 percent of GDP in 2026, above the European Union’s standard ceiling of 3 percent. The article also says the deficit is expected to be well above the EU average of just over 3 percent.

Government promises a response

A meeting with student representatives did not ease tensions. The representatives called for further mobilisation until the government offers concrete measures.

Inequality remains a political fault line

Debate over wealth distribution has long shaped French politics, Snoussi told Al Jazeera. Macron has been called “the president of the rich” after cutting the wealth tax, while critics say his policies shifted wealth upward and harmed working people.

Macron has defended his economic approach, arguing that driving wealthy people out of France would not help the poor. Antonio Fatas, an INSEAD economics professor, said France’s system is more redistributive than those of other European countries, or at least similar.

France also saw nearly two years of Yellow Vests protests beginning in 2018. The movement opposed Macron’s economic policies and a fuel tax, and called for action on inequality, welfare and public services.