France School Blockades Resume as Unions Plan Nationwide Strike Over Exams and Cost of Living

French high schools faced renewed blockades on Monday as students protested school conditions and the rising cost of living, with unions planning a nationwide strike on Thursday. Education Minister Pap Ndiaye has warned that weeks of missed lessons are jeopardizing students’ school year and final exams, including the baccalauréat. The protests, involving dozens of schools across the country, reflect broader discontent over inflation and education reforms. Students are demanding better facilities and financial support, while the government urges a return to class to avoid further academic disruption. The coming strike is expected to bring wider participation from teachers and other sectors, raising pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government. As the movement gains momentum, the risk to this year’s exam schedule grows, leaving thousands of families anxious about the future.