French student protests escalate political clash ahead of 2027 presidential vote

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and far-left France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon engaged in a heated public exchange on Monday over a wave of high school protests spreading across the country. Students have been blockading classes, citing crumbling school facilities, teacher shortages and overloaded schedules.

The dispute began after Lecornu accused officials from Mélenchon's party of stoking the demonstrations. The protests started last week at schools in the Paris area, resulting in arrests, before spreading to other regions. In the southern Alpes-Maritimes region, police arrested ten high school students on Monday over alleged arson, throwing projectiles and other violent acts that left two students injured.

Mélenchon defended the protesting students, accusing Lecornu's government of repressing them with "ferocity" and an "unmistakably racist undertone." He urged his party's supporters to get involved in the protests wherever possible, voicing support for the young people. Lecornu called the racism accusation "an insult," stressing that students have a right to safety, staff have a right to protection, and police officers deserve respect while carrying out their duties.

The clash unfolds against a backdrop of rising political tension ahead of next spring's pivotal presidential election, as Lecornu simultaneously tries to secure enough support to pass a 2027 state budget through a divided parliament. President Emmanuel Macron's government faces resistance from numerous opponents unwilling to accept proposed spending cuts while households are squeezed by rising energy costs.

Mélenchon, 75, who finished third in the 2022 presidential election and fourth in both 2017 and 2012, hopes this time to advance past the first round on April 18 and reach the runoff on May 2. Support from younger voters could prove decisive for his chances. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.