Online-Forum: From School Protests to a National Revolt? Demonstrations against Social Injustice, Escalating Violence, and the Crisis of Democracy in France

04. November 2026

In light of the ongoing protests in France, the Graduate Centre is organising an online forum with students from France who will talk about their experiences and the situation on the ground. Bring your questions along and let’s discuss them together!

What began in France as student-led protests against austerity measures and systemic inequities in the education system has rapidly grown into a nationwide wave of demonstrations reaching schools, universities, and other public institutions. What we know about it largely comes from media reports. But what is on the minds of the people who are at the centre of these confrontations every day?

Against this backdrop, the Graduate Center of the Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies and the Master in European Studies Programme invite you to an Online-Forum: Students from French institutions will share first-hand from the situation on the ground and discuss with us what the protests mean for higher education and democratic resilience. With the French presidential elections approaching, these are questions that reach far beyond France's borders.

Bring your questions along: this event thrives on conversation.

When: Wednesday, 4 November, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (CET)

Where: Online via Zoom. The event will be held in English.

Link: Join us here here on Zoom.