France is currently experiencing a widespread protest that originated with high school students voicing concerns about the state of public schools, including issues such as overcrowding, teacher shortages, and deteriorating facilities.
The protests have evolved into a national movement, the largest in decades, with participation from trade unions, public sector employees, and others dissatisfied with living conditions in the country.
France has a long history of street protests as a form of political expression, leading it to be perceived globally as a nation synonymous with uprising.
Emile Chabal, an author, European political history historian, and University of Edinburgh professor, discusses how what started as a student protest transformed into a nationwide expression of frustration towards the French government, solidifying France’s reputation as a hub of protest culture.
