Students across Algeria protested on Tuesday, in cities including Constantine, Tizi Ouzou, Batna, and Ouargla, to demand reduced class hours, lighter curricula, and more accountability from school administrators.
The demonstrations, which began on Sunday in Sétif and spread nationwide, were sparked by frustrations over excessive programs and long hours, highlighting what many see as systemic indifference to students’ concerns.
Students carried banners with messages such as “The Algerian school destroys youth” and “Students suffer from the decisions of the old,” while chanting slogans such as “You have devoured the country, you despicable ones,” to voice their anger at the education system.
Protesters called for changes to alleviate their academic burden and criticized administrators for dismissing their concerns. A video circulating online showed a student explaining that their demands were legitimate and not intended to cause chaos.
He highlighted an incident where a request for curriculum reductions was met with indifference, as a pedagogical official reportedly suggested students quit studying.
Authorities deployed heavy security forces, leading to arrests and police interventions, a response that has faced criticism with observers urging dialogue instead of repression.