French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and left-populist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon exchanged criticism on Monday over high school students blocking classes and calling for tests and more resources. Their public dispute on social media highlights the increasingly tense political atmosphere ahead of next spring’s presidential election and ongoing concerns about France’s finances. Politicians from various parties are seeking to address issues that resonate with voters, including student complaints about deteriorating schools, teacher shortages, and heavy class schedules.
Lecornu is working to secure support for the 2027 state budget in a divided parliament, where President Emmanuel Macron’s government faces strong opposition to proposed spending cuts amid rising living costs. Mélenchon, who finished third in the 2022 presidential election, aims to advance beyond the first round of voting on 18 April and reach the 2 May run-off, with younger voters seen as crucial to his campaign. Macron cannot seek a third consecutive term.
On Monday, Mélenchon defended the student protesters after Lecornu accused members of Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party of encouraging the demonstrations. The protests began in Paris-area schools last week, resulting in arrests, and have since spread to other regions. In the Alpes-Maritimes region, police arrested 10 students on Monday on allegations of setting fires, throwing projectiles, and other violent acts that injured two students, according to the regional government.
Mélenchon accused Lecornu’s government of repressing students with “ferocity” and “an unmistakably racist undertone.” “Don’t touch our young people,” he posted, urging France Unbowed supporters to get involved “wherever you can.” Lecornu replied that the accusation of racism “is an insult.” He added, “Students have a right to safety. Staff have a right to protection. Police officers have a right to respect when carrying out their duties.” He continued, “Condemning the violence and those who attack high school students should require less effort from you than smearing those who protect them. It should be easier than fanning the flames.”
This article used information from The Associated Press.
