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A Day of Protest: Students and Staff Rally Against University Budget Cuts in Paris
On February 11, 2025, the streets of Paris and other major French cities were filled with the voices of students, teachers, and researchers protesting against a significant cut in the higher education and research budget. The day of action was called in response to the 2025 finance law, which allocates 31.3 billion euros to the sector—a billion euros less than the previous year. This reduction has sparked widespread concern among academia, with many arguing that it will severely impact the quality of education, research, and the overall functioning of universities.
The Impact on Universities: Budget Cuts and Disruptions
The budget cuts have already begun to take a toll on universities across France. According to a press release by the Student Union, more than 30,000 spots in undergraduate and master’s programs have been eliminated in anticipation of the 2025 academic year. Additionally, university libraries and entire campuses are at risk of closing. In some institutions, such as Paris-I, budget cuts of around 20% are expected to take effect, further exacerbating the challenges faced by students and staff. These measures have led to disruption in academic activities, as dozens of university sites were forced to halt operations during the protest.
Student Mobilization: A Call to Action Against Budget Cuts
The protest was organized under the slogan "More money, let’s block everything!" Students from cities such as Nantes, Rennes, Angers, Tours, Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Nancy, Reims, and Lille gathered in large numbers to voice their opposition to the budget cuts. General assemblies were held, and students expressed their frustration over the lack of funding, which they believe will undermine the quality of education and research. The Student Union and the UNEF (Union Nationale des Étudiants de France) were at the forefront of the movement, calling on students to take a stand against the government’s decision.
Teaching Staff and Researchers Join the Movement
The protest was not limited to students alone. An inter-union group representing teaching staff and researchers, including the FSU (Fédération Syndicale Unitaire), the CGT (Confédération Générale du Travail), Sud, and the UNSA (Union Nationale des Syndicats Autonomes), also joined the movement. Nearly 500 people gathered at the historic Place du Panthéon in Paris to amplify the students’ demands. The unions emphasized the need to protect public education and research, arguing that the budget cuts would lead to job losses, reduced resources, and a decline in the overall quality of education.
The Larger Implications of the Budget Cuts
The budget cuts have raised concerns about the future of higher education in France. With 60 out of 75 universities already operating on a deficit budget, the situation is dire. Students and staff fear that the reduction in funding will result in overcrowded classrooms, fewer resources for research, and a lack of support for students. The elimination of 30,000 spots in license and master’s programs is particularly worrying, as it will limit access to higher education for many young people. The protest is not just about money; it is about preserving the integrity of France’s education system and ensuring that future generations have access to quality education.
The Fight for Public Education: Why This Matters
The protest in Paris and other cities is part of a broader movement to defend public education and research in France. Students and staff are calling on the government to reconsider its budget allocation and prioritize the needs of the education sector. The budget cuts are seen as a threat to the principles of equality and accessibility that underpin France’s public education system. The movement highlights the importance of investing in education and research to build a stronger, more equitable society. As the protest demonstrated, the fight for more funding is not just about numbers; it is about the future of education and the opportunities available to young people.
