In France, we learn to resist long before we learn to vote. The nation was born from a revolution led by peasants against the monarchy, our national anthem is a call to arms, and a country this unionised has made its peace with the sight of farmers descending on the Champs-Élysées, or rail workers and lorry drivers bringing everything to a standstill. Nobody in France reads that as democracy breaking down. We read it as democracy doing its job. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in