Most French view high school students' demands legitimate: Poll

A majority of the French consider the demands of nationwide high school students legitimate, while more than half approve of the protests, according to an Elabe poll for French broadcaster BFMTV published Wednesday.

Some 72% of respondents said the demands were legitimate, including 28% who considered them “completely” legitimate and 44% who said they were “rather” legitimate.

Separately, 55% said they approved of the student mobilization, which began in mid-September because of complaints about staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate school facilities. Blockades and demonstrations have since spread to schools in several French cities.

The largely peaceful movement has also seen violent incidents, including fires, property damage and attacks on staff and police, according to authorities.

Some 35% disapproved of the protests, while 10% said they were indifferent.

When asked about the future of the mobilization, however, 55% said it should end.

Another 27% favored continuing the protests at the current level, while 17% supported an escalation involving more and larger blockades.

The distinction was particularly notable among younger respondents.

Among those aged 18 to 24, 33% favored ending the movement, 38% wanted it to continue at its current level and 28% supported an escalation.

Support for the mobilization was higher among parents of high school students, at 71%.

The Education Ministry said Wednesday that 459 schools had experienced full or partial suspension of classes, down from 891 on Tuesday.

Student and youth unions have demanded further demonstrations Thursday in Paris and other cities.