Starting in September this year, unrest has been growing in France over the inadequate education system. The large classes, lack of teachers, and minimal resources have pushed students to the limit.  Young students with adults following behind are now taking to the streets and starting to speak up over these poor conditions.  

These protests first began with teachers going on strike at the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry High School in Créteil. They were dissatisfied with the lack of staff they had. Quickly, students joined this rally and ultimately led the continued efforts. Their image of them setting a blockade in the school doors went viral. Social media took it over and like that the movement had begun. 

Through social media, more and more protests were organized and executed. The movement became broader and listed all their resentments for the state of their country. Near the top of the list are the poor education system, unemployment issues, and social unrest. As these have kept intensifying, they have slowly become violent. 

Young people’s protests have slowly shifted to riots. There has been assault and violence on both sides. Police have instated curfews and have attacked multiple students. On the other side, students have burned down and vandalized property to prove their points. Things are continuing to escalate.  

These issues in France speak to larger issues in the world. The next generation is making their way into the political scene and bringing big changes. Additionally, this new generation is happy to be bold and outspoken. I think this is a great thing for the political scene in the future. Unlike the current political world, the new generation is willing to work to get things done efficiently. They won’t settle for mediocracy or complacency. This is a great quality looking into the future. 

Additionally, this movement is showing the power of social media. Social media has been used to coordinate and execute protests and spread the word of the movement. This shows the power of social media for good and how it can unite people in their causes. Social media is growing to become the tool of the future. It is vital throughout politics.  

Overall, the result of the protests in France are uncertain. However, change is on the way. I think the real lesson is that the next generation is not complacent. They aren’t willing to let injustice happen. They will fight for what they believe in. This determination will be very telling in the coming years of politics. All in all, the next generation is ready to enter the political scene and will not settle.