Nationwide protests concerning education in France led by high school students have expanded to various parts of Europe in recent weeks.
In Albania, student organizers initiated a nationwide protest on Tuesday, highlighting issues such as university conditions, higher education expenses, financial aid, and post-graduation job prospects. The demonstration turned violent in Tirana, with protesters throwing bricks and concrete blocks at Albania’s Education Ministry. In response, the police deployed tear gas and water cannons, leading to several protesters being detained.
Meanwhile, in France, high school students have been demonstrating and blocking schools for weeks, advocating for more educators and improved facilities. Demonstrations in major French cities saw over 161,000 participants, a decrease from the previous week’s 266,000. While most protests were peaceful, riot police clashed with demonstrators in Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Nantes, with a minority engaging in vandalism and violence.
In Greece, university students gathered outside the Finance Ministry in Athens to protest against escalating rents and the lack of affordable student accommodation. The protesters set up tents at Syntagma Square near parliament to amplify their demands.
