“We’re doing as they do in France” is one of the slogans now echoing in Italian schools. In Turin, Rome, Naples and Genoa, students have occupied schools, interrupted classes and held special assemblies in high schools.
"Money for schools, not for war," the young people chant, saying they want to follow the French example.
"French students are showing in practice that, through collective struggle, it is possible to impose one’s will on a political class that is - or at least appears to be - deaf to such demands," high school students at a school in Turin write in a petition, according to Corriere della Sera.
Lost his hand
In France, protests have been going on for weeks, and perceived police brutality has only fueled young people’s anger. A 15-year-old boy in the northern French town of Lens lost his left hand after it was hit by a police grenade during protests outside his school last week.
Since the protests began, France’s Minister of Education, Édouard Geffrey, has promised 3,000 extra teachers for the most vulnerable schools, but the student movement does not seem to think that is enough.
French anger is also merging with other movements. On Saturday, the Yellow Vests are expected to protest against "the high cost of living," and students have been invited to join them.
Belgium has also been hit by widespread protests, with teachers and students, among others, demanding better conditions. Ahead of the weekend, companies removed their e-scooters from the streets of Brussels as a precaution after dozens of e-scooters were vandalized last week.
A teachers’ strike has begun in Spain and is set to continue indefinitely. Students are marching alongside their teachers, demanding that resources be allocated to ensure "high-quality" education.
“Need a revolution”
In Albania’s capital, Tirana, young people have also gathered to demand better conditions at universities and brighter job prospects. Broader protests against corruption and calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama have been going on there for some time.
Clashes between young people and police have been violent, and the Ministry of Education building has been partially set on fire. Police have responded with tear gas and water cannons.
"What Albania needs is a revolution, a change, the overthrow of the system. Because this cannot continue," one protester told Reuters.
In mid-September, French teachers and students gathered to protest staff shortages at a high school in Créteil, on the southeastern outskirts of Paris. The discontent spread to other suburbs, and blockades and demonstrations spread across the country. Parents and teachers have also supported the demonstrations.
Large demonstrations have been held several times in Paris and in about 30 French cities.
French students want to overhaul the education system fundamentally. They also demand more trained staff, including nurses, psychologists and guidance counselors. They want to abolish the Parcoursup admissions system, which is seen as fueling inequality.