Macron Calls for Dialogue as 96.5 Percent of French High Schools Resume Before Mid-Term Break

Over the past few weeks, high school students across France have gathered in protest against education policies, resulting in the suspension of classes at thousands of schools. According to statistics from the Ministry of Education, 96.5 percent of the country's 3,700 high schools had reopened as of today, with only approximately 130 remaining closed. This trend indicates that the protests are gradually subsiding, and the government hopes to further reduce school closures before the mid-term holiday.

The protests initially stemmed from strong student opposition to the government's proposed education reform plan. The reform, centered on "educational liberalization" and "curriculum restructuring," has raised concerns among many students that it will undermine teachers' professional autonomy and increase academic burdens. Demonstrators have expressed their demands through rallies and campus occupations, forcing multiple schools to suspend classes to maintain order. In several reports, the Ministry of Education noted that while the number of school closures remains high, the closure rate has gradually declined from its peak in previous weeks as negotiations continue between the government and student representatives.

Against this backdrop, President Emmanuel Macron issued a public statement today, urging both students and the government to "respect one another" and resolve their differences through dialogue. Macron emphasized that education is the cornerstone of the nation's future and that any behavior disrupting normal school operations is unacceptable. He also stated that the government will continue to adjust the reform plan and will resume school operations after the mid-term holiday. This stance is viewed as a political signal to the protesters, aimed at alleviating social tensions and maintaining the stability of the national education system.

The school closures have had tangible impacts on students, teachers, and families. Students are concerned that the interruption of classes will hinder their academic progress, particularly those preparing for mid-term examinations. Teachers face disrupted teaching schedules, with some choosing to take temporary leave or transfer to other schools. School administrative departments have also had to allocate additional personnel to handle the procedures for suspending and resuming classes, increasing operational costs. From an economic perspective, prolonged school closures could affect the local education industry chain, further impacting the local economy.

This incident also highlights French society's sensitivity to government policies and its expectations for educational equity. If the reform plan fails to reach a consensus between students and teachers, it may trigger larger-scale social movements in the future, potentially challenging national political stability. If the government's adjustments and dialogue before the mid-term holiday genuinely address student needs, it will help rebuild social trust; conversely, if school closures persist or the reform becomes imbalanced, France may face a deeper education crisis. (Source: Central News Agency)