French school children on strike

We are in a small city in the South of France we booked a hotel on the edge of city, we were planning to join others in the city enter, but the police have been using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the demonstrations. So we decided to stay put, it is the French way, last year it was the pensioners before that the farmers, people get hurt. The problems are the same as the UK, no money, no jobs, rising prices, we are more polite and dont start riots.

Saw the footage on the 6pm news, looks scary in Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

The protests started about schools and opportunities, there are plenty of poor schools and lack of jobs in the UK it's no different. Now the Unions have joined it it's a much more general protest against the government.

David49

We are in a small city in the South of France we booked a hotel on the edge of city, we were planning to join others in the city enter, but the police have been using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the demonstrations. So we decided to stay put, it is the French way, last year it was the pensioners before that the farmers, people get hurt. The problems are the same as the UK, no money, no jobs, rising prices, we are more polite and dont start riots.

Can’t imagine pensioners setting fire to buildings 😳
Hope you manage to have a nice holiday.

David49

Never go to France again is just like never go to US again because of Trump, many dont come to the UK because of perceived terrorist risk.

Just stay away from demonstrations and dont discuss politics most places are fine, personally I like France but Paris is not my favorite place so I stay away.

No not while Numpty is in power.
I really thought at first he was anti war, how wrong was I 🤦‍♀️

Actually the old codgers in France are pretty militant too! They're not beyond a protest on the streets when it comes to pension reforms.

They say there, that if the child can successfully go up stairs, it proves they have developed the necessary gross motor skills, balance, and control over their pelvic floor muscles and back passage. Apparently, these are the exact same muscles required to voluntarily hold and release a poo, so I was told

So when I find the stairs a bit more difficult……? 😱😱😱

😂😂😂

'Fraid so!

It seems the rioters burnt dosn the town hall in Limoges.

Shocking scenes from France ☹️

I always thought and still do, that education is a privilege and despite the gruesome buildings and equipment we had when I was young going on strike would not ever have happened. Completely different mind set in France.

MartavTaurus

Actually the old codgers in France are pretty militant too! They're not beyond a protest on the streets when it comes to pension reforms.

Oh heck, can’t imagine that 🤦‍♀️

MartavTaurus

Actually the old codgers in France are pretty militant too! They're not beyond a protest on the streets when it comes to pension reforms.

Mind you they are mainly sat down.
I Can’t imagine them battering in the town hall doors with their Zimmer frames 😂

Grantanow

It seems the rioters burnt dosn the town hall in Limoges.

It’s absolutely appalling what’s going on.

GrannyGravy13

Saw the footage on the 6pm news, looks scary in Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Ahh but which news outlet? They don’t always show the full Monty!

Casdon

Some people do tend to fall for conspiracy theories and social media fed lies a lot more easily than others though. It’s not always easy to get to the facts of what has happened.

No it’s not, especially if you relying on msm for true information!

MT62

David49

We are in a small city in the South of France we booked a hotel on the edge of city, we were planning to join others in the city enter, but the police have been using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the demonstrations. So we decided to stay put, it is the French way, last year it was the pensioners before that the farmers, people get hurt. The problems are the same as the UK, no money, no jobs, rising prices, we are more polite and dont start riots.

Can’t imagine pensioners setting fire to buildings 😳
Hope you manage to have a nice holiday.

The real damage is being cause by hangers on, left wing activists and criminals intent on chaos and looting which loss of control during riots enables. Over many years I've visited France and regularly seen riot police on the streets, they had a reputation for violence 50 yrs ago and that hasnt change.

We are here for a European Rugby match, the stadium is well away from the center so we're not expecting any problem, just lots of friendly rivalry and quite a few beers

FriedGreenTomatoes2

The situation in Paris is escalating.

First it was about schools, and now it's about the cost of living. Is it possible it's not either? We are so used to being gaslighted by governments and media that it leaves a vacuum for other theories to fill.

I am wondering what is really going on too.

It could be cost of living in general.

Their level of debt is worse that ours.

I am finding, talking to people now in rl in the Uk, that the cost of living is creeping into general conversation.
Presumably it is worse in France.

MT62

GrannyGravy13

Saw the footage on the 6pm news, looks scary in Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Ahh but which news outlet? They don’t always show the full Monty!

The ITV 6pm news?

Of course they can only show what their cameras have captured.

They cannot be expected to be everywhere all at once

I don't understand why, for some, La Belle France has no meaning to them anymore. Seriously, why destroy your own country's historical building which are architecturally beautiful?
If you don't like a particular government, that's fine, but show some respect for the taxpayers who will have to pay to rebuild the beautiful edifices. It's very sad.

My Belgian relatives said it has slipped over there too although I ve not read anything on reports as yet

www.reuters.com/world/protesters-clash-with-police-brussels-2026-10-17/

BlueBelle

My Belgian relatives said it has slipped over there too although I ve not read anything on reports as yet

Yes, for the very reason that these are universal problems throughout Europe. We have to hope the UK won't behave in the same manner.
I asked my French friend of 50 years what this is all about. She has just summed it up in a message, "Les différentes revendications convergent : coût de la vie, conditions d'études, pauvreté...Ça pète de partout."
The different demands are converging: cost of living, educational conditions, poverty .... it's kicking off everywhere." The last sentence tells it as it is, she lives miles from Paris in Brittany.