2024-05-06 08:10:24
This Monday morning was scrutinized with great concern by the administration of Sciences-po Paris. Exams began at 9 a.m. for a few thousand students at the elite school, after two weeks disrupted by several occupations of the historic premises on rue Saint-Guillaume (Paris, 7th arrondissement) by pro-Palestine students.
From 7:45 a.m., the candidates were able to enter in peace, with the obligation to present a summons to the test and an identity document – “a usual system” tells us a student. But many people had made their arrangements for fear of a new blockage. “With what happened on April 26 (the police had to intervene to dislodge a sit-in of around a hundred young people) I arrived 1h30 early. I have worked too hard for this diploma not to be able to enter the room,” breathes Nour, a first-year Bachelor student, summarizing the feelings of around ten young people interviewed. On the menu for the one who says she “supports” the Palestinian cause: a three-hour economics test.
Most observers do not believe in a hardening of the movement during the exams, in particular because the tests are spread over several sites, between rue Saint-Guillaume and Arcueil (Val-de-Marne). “It would be very unpopular for the Palestine committee to prevent others from taking the tests,” judges Camille, a resident.
Shortly before 9 a.m., around twenty students came to chant pro-Palestine slogans in front of the entrance, protected by several security agents, but without intention of blocking the entrance. “We are here to say that we do not forget Gaza” summarizes Jack, NPA (New Anti-Capitalist Party) activist, himself a student summoned to a test this afternoon. Other demonstrations will take place today, the small group promises.
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