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Politics

Student protesters 'showing no signs of backing down'

Students who have been protesting classroom conditions in France for days are "not looking like they are willing to back down", says France 24 reporter Claire Paccalin, despite promises by the French prime minister to bring in measures to address their grievances.

World

Protest culture: Why do French students repeatedly rise up?

France is in the international spotlight as massive student protests show no sign of stopping. Demonstrating is something of a rite of passage for young people in France, a moment when teenagers discover politics and their collective voice. How has this "protest culture" manifested itself in recent French history? And why are some student protests effective at bringing about change and others not? We take a closer look in French Connections.

Politics

French teens keep up school blockades despite prime minister's pledge to act

French teenagers blockaded some high schools and marched through cities on Thursday after the government promised to address their grievances about teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings. Reporting from Paris, France 24's Jamie Smith-Maillet says protesters he has spoken to see the government measures as lacking detail and have vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete action is taken.

World

Boston Ballet returns to Paris and builds lasting legacy

In this edition of Entre Nous we speak to Mikko Nissinen, the artistic director of the Boston Ballet, which is performing this week at the historic Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris. He tells us what it means to come back to Paris and what the French audience can expect from works by Alexander Ekman and Akram Khan.

Politics

France student protests: What measures is the government taking?

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a televised address Wednesday evening that the country could not be "indifferent" to the concerns of protesting high school students, acknowledging that the "anger of young people does not come from nowhere". He denied that security forces have "orders to confront" the young people, and promised the government would present a plan to respond to the crisis at the end of October. But what measures could the French government introduce and will it be enough to calm the protests? France 24’s Rochelle Ferguson Bouyahi takes a look.

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World

French astronaut Adenot begins journey back to Earth

French astronaut Sophie Adenot along with the rest of the SpaceX Crew-12 has begun its journey back to earth from the International Space Station. The seasoned helicopter pilot was only the second French woman to travel to space and has now broken the record for the longest continuous stay in orbit by a European astronaut. Her splashdown is scheduled for Thursday off the coast of California.

Politics

School protests part of a broader French malaise?

High school students across France launched a fresh day of protests on Thursday, despite government attempts to ease the crisis which has rocked the country for days. But coinciding with a cost of living crisis and apprehensions around upcoming presidential elections, are the protests part of a wider French malaise? France 24’s Douglas Herbert takes a look.

Politics

French PM vows to address debt despite student protests

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has tried to calm both student protesters and jittery bond markets. In an address to the nation, Lecornu stressed that the education ministry had not seen any cuts in last week's budget proposal, but insisted the government must cut its public deficit to 5 percent. There are growing concerns about France's spending and debt, with the IMF urging the country to "get your house in order." Lecornu also confirmed the release of 10 million barrels of diesel fuel.

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Politics

France summons Iranian ambassador over 'disinformation' on student protests

The French foreign ministry on Wednesday summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest against a "disinformation campaign conducted by the Iranian authorities" over the student protests that have rocked France. The move came a day after Tehran summoned the French ambassador over the treatment of protesters in France.

World

French wine output set to hit historic low after record summer heatwaves

The French agriculture ministry on Wednesday forecast a historic low wine output this year after a summer of record high temperatures and a reduction in cultivated areas. The total harvest plunged 14 percent below the 2021–2025 average, with the Champagne region hit hardest due to an early harvest after the heat increased a sugar buildup.

World

French parents join school protests to support and protect their children

Widespread protests swept across France on Tuesday over anger at the state of the country's school system. The police responded with tear gas and water canons when some on the fringes of the marches turned violent. Among the demonstrators were parents who came to march alongside their children to support their cause – and, for some, to ensure their children could protest safely. After several teenagers were injured, they feared further clashes.

World

From Mai 68 to 2026: France’s long student protests tradition

Students, parents and trade unions were demonstrating across France Tuesday, protesting what they say is under-investment in high schools. From Mai 68 to the CPE crisis in 2006, major French student and youth protests have pressured leaders and transformed national politics.

Topic: French | RocksNews