France

France's high school student movement entered its fifth day of protests, dubbed "Act V," with demonstrations and blockades continuing across the country. The mobilization gained international attention as climate activist Greta Thunberg joined protesters at Paul-Éluard High School in Saint-Denis. School principals have voiced growing exhaustion and concern over the blockades, highlighting safety challenges and disruptions to education. Teachers have also shown solidarity, supporting students demonstrating outside institutions like Assas University.

Amidst the ongoing student unrest, opposition to the Parcoursup university admission platform has become a central unifying demand, though critics note its abolition alone won't resolve underlying university capacity issues. In other news, the National Rally is attempting to move past the Jordan Bardella affair, following weeks of accusations. A new Defender of Rights is facing scrutiny after hiring, and subsequently firing, an advisor with a history of far-right online posts. Economically, France's social security system is reportedly highly vulnerable to national debt tensions due to its reliance on short-term funding.