--- title: "Rats in French Schools Spark Widespread Protests" url: https://newscentral.site/rats-in-french-schools-spark-widespread-protests/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-09T19:52:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-10T06:39:14.849Z id: 142d65ba-1409-455a-b784-439c55fd9583 source: "DW English https://www.dw.com/en/schools-crisis-in-france-investment-fails-to-inspire-confidence/a-79621916?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/rats-in-french-schools-spark-widespread-protests/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Rats in French Schools Spark Widespread Protests Students at several schools in France have reported vermin infestations, burst pipes, and overcrowded classrooms, contributing to a wave of protests across the country. Rats in the toilets, broken heating systems, and leaking roofs are just some of the issues facing many French schools, as evidenced by videos taken by students that have been circulating on social media. The Lycee Paul Eluard in Saint-Denis is one such institution where pupils have reported vermin infestations and burst pipes. In nearby Pantin, students complained about windows that couldn't be opened even when temperatures soared to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Additionally, overcrowded classrooms and frequently cancelled lessons are also major concerns for many pupils. These issues have contributed to the current wave of protests sweeping across France. The situation in French schools is not only a matter of concern but has also become a focal point for student protests that show no signs of subsiding. Pupils from various parts of the country have taken to the streets, demanding better learning environments and more resources for their institutions. Despite investing 6.7% of its GDP in education - a significant amount compared to EU standards - France's efforts seem to be falling short in terms of providing students with decent facilities. The division of responsibilities between different levels of government may also be contributing to the problems faced by schools, as each level has distinct roles and areas of control. The central government is responsible for paying teachers' salaries and setting national curricula, but maintaining school buildings falls under the purview of local administrations - municipalities handle elementary schools, departments are in charge of colleges, and regions oversee lycees. The financial constraints faced by local authorities in France are a major obstacle to renovating school buildings. The amount of money available for renovation projects varies depending on the region, and even when funds are allocated, they often have to be prioritized over other essential expenses. As a result, progress on improving school infrastructure is slow. In many cases, more than two-thirds of the local budget is already committed to staffing costs and pension payments, leaving limited resources for renovation projects. This scarcity of funds has hindered efforts to modernize schools across France. The age of school buildings in France is a pressing concern. Over 80% of elementary school buildings are more than 50 years old, with an estimated 10 to 20% considered to be in serious need of renovation. Despite initiatives to address the problem, many schools continue to suffer from outdated facilities and inadequate infrastructure. The recent protests have also taken a toll on newly constructed or renovated schools, highlighting the fragility of modern school buildings. Even after initial repairs, such as removing mold and repairing roofs, many schools still lack effective protection against extreme temperatures, leaving students vulnerable to heat-related issues during the summer months. Despite significant investments in education, France's school crisis persists, with stark imbalances evident in ongoing expenditure. The country spends a considerable amount on upper secondary education, but falls short when it comes to primary schools, investing less per pupil than the average industrialized nation. Education experts stress that early years are crucial for laying the foundation of future academic success. With this in mind, successive governments under Emmanuel Macron have attempted to address the disparity by introducing measures such as reducing class sizes in disadvantaged areas and creating additional teaching positions. In response to ongoing student protests, the government has promised to recruit over 3,000 supply teachers at short notice. Education Minister Edouard Geffray has also announced plans to use software to identify schools facing particularly challenging situations. The announcements mark a significant step towards addressing the students' demands for better facilities in secondary schools, more supply teachers, and greater investment in the education system as a whole, which have driven protests that have now entered their second week. The latest Pisa scores have highlighted a concerning trend in French education, where over one-third of 15-year-olds struggle to achieve basic math skills. The OECD's assessment program shows that France is facing significant challenges in its education system. Critics argue that Macron's reform of the upper secondary education system has not been effective in addressing these issues. By allowing students to choose from a wide range of specialist subjects, the system was intended to give pupils greater freedom and flexibility. However, this approach has created logistical problems, making it difficult for schools to timetable lessons effectively. Students are complaining about excessive free periods and longer school days, which they see as an inefficient use of their time. This is particularly evident in Paris universities, where overcrowding is a major issue. A lecturer at one university reported that seminars with 50 students often require chairs to be fetched from other rooms or have students sitting on the floor. The French education system's reliance on teaching hours per school year has been called into question. While France appears to have a high number of teaching hours compared to other EU countries, a closer look reveals that many lessons are cancelled at short notice. According to a study, only around 12% of cancelled lessons are covered by alternative teachers. The French Court of Accounts found that 9% of state college lessons were cancelled in the 2023-24 school year, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the education system's scheduling and resource allocation. The salary disparity for French teachers compared to their counterparts in neighboring countries is a pressing issue that has been highlighted by OECD data. According to the figures, after 15 years of service at lower secondary schools, French teachers earn roughly half as much as their German colleagues. This disparity is particularly concerning given France's emphasis on providing equal opportunities through its republican model of education. However, in reality, academic success is heavily influenced by a student's socioeconomic background. Children from poorer families are disproportionately affected by the cancellation of lessons. The government's ability to address these issues is hampered by the country's strained budgetary situation. A proposed €1.2 billion increase for the Ministry of Education in 2027 is overshadowed by plans to cut teaching posts, citing declining pupil numbers as justification. As protests and demonstrations gain momentum, social media platforms are filled with footage of dilapidated school buildings and chaotic scenes outside schools. Some images show people carrying placards with inflammatory political slogans unrelated to education policy, while others depict burning barricades and clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. Members of the far-left France Unbowed party have been spotted at school blockades, where they've appeared alongside protesting students and shared videos related to the crisis on social media. Lawmakers from this party have also made appearances at these demonstrations. The government has accused France Unbowed of using the education protests for their own political gain, but the party denies these allegations as the country approaches its presidential election in just six months. The situation is now evolving into a power struggle, with the protests over education becoming increasingly politicized. --- Source: [DW English](https://www.dw.com/en/schools-crisis-in-france-investment-fails-to-inspire-confidence/a-79621916?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/rats-in-french-schools-spark-widespread-protests/