France – FSE: Call to Maintain the Struggle and Denounce Sell-outs

We hereby share an unofficial translation of a statement published by the FSE on October 23.

The high school and college student protests, which have been ongoing for several weeks, reached a peak on October 17, with an unprecedented mobilization across various sectors of society. Students, workers, high schoolers, and youth from working-class neighborhoods all took to the streets to express their collective frustration with a government and a system that cannot meet even our most basic expectations.

The blockades of universities and high schools that were still open lasted until October 17, in support of the protests and to help as much as possible in consolidating the widespread movement of revolt across the country.

And in this new phase of intense class struggle, which has now been underway for nearly a month, the struggle has once again unmasked the smooth talkers, the permanent “Instagrammers” of the revolution, who are more adept at navigating social media than at confronting the old system and its repressive forces.

Because we cannot stand idly by when a revolt is shaking the country, and the police are beating, maiming, and injuring people left and right, revolutionaries must be present and organize the revolt and the struggle.

Blockades and occupations of our educational institutions are a direct and strategic way to put pressure on the State while taking action through protests wherever necessary. Blocking or opening universities are not principles in and of themselves; each context calls for its own appropriate method. Today, we must block everything.

The time has come for confrontation with this deadly system, not for mere general assemblies that aim to drain the student movement of all revolutionary energy and momentum, as is often the case, for the benefit of the sell-out organizations that, deep down, want only one thing: for everything to return to calm so they can continue their lifestyle online or on city councils.

We strongly condemn the acts of sabotage by Révolution Permanente and Le Poing Levé.