French President Emmanuel Macron: I think that this generation - the one who is in high school today - should be accompanied by a lot of respect, ambition and kindness. First, because for my part, it's been almost 10 years since I accompanied them, so I feel responsible. Second, because of what they've been through. I mentioned this to people the other day, but I think it's important to say it again. This is a generation that experienced terrorist attacks when they were in kindergarten or elementary school, and experienced this initial shock. We all remember the Bataclan and all those attacks, so they grew up in a France that was wounded, grieving and scared. Then, as high school students - or at the end of elementary and beginning of middle school - they experienced the corona. They were told they had to make every sacrifice to protect the most frail and elderly. They experienced the loss of social connection, constraints and a level of stress that even their parents had trouble understanding. Immediately after the corona virus, only a year later, the war returned to Europe with the invasion of Ukraine. They faced the fear - sometimes fueled by misinformation - that they might be sent to war, while witnessing horrific scenes. They also experienced the events in Gaza, starting with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in front of terrible and incredible sights, and then months of devastating war that harms civilians. On top of that, there is climate anxiety and technological fear - a rapid technological acceleration in recent months that is deeply affecting this generation. Many feel that even if they work hard, they may be replaced instead of being ready for real jobs. All this creates great anxiety. It is our responsibility to ensure that this anxiety does not turn into permanent despair, resentment or chaos. It must start with respect, work and fixing what needs to be fixed in the short term, so that classes can resume in peace to prepare for the future.

French President Emmanuel Macron: I think that this generation - the one who is in high school today - should be accompanied by a lot of respect, ambition and kindness. First, because for my part, it's been almost 10 years since I accompanied them, so I feel responsible. Second, because of what they've been through. I mentioned this to people the other day, but I think it's important to say it again. This is a generation that experienced terrorist attacks when they were in kindergarten or elementary school, and experienced this initial shock. We all remember the Bataclan and all those attacks, so they grew up in a France that was wounded, grieving and scared. Then, as high school students - or at the end of elementary and beginning of middle school - they experienced the corona. They were told they had to make every sacrifice to protect the most frail and elderly. They experienced the loss of social connection, constraints and a level of stress that even their parents had trouble understanding. Immediately after the corona virus, only a year later, the war returned to Europe with the invasion of Ukraine. They faced the fear - sometimes fueled by misinformation - that they might be sent to war, while witnessing horrific scenes. They also experienced the events in Gaza, starting with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in front of terrible and incredible sights, and then months of devastating war that harms civilians. On top of that, there is climate anxiety and technological fear - a rapid technological acceleration in recent months that is deeply affecting this generation. Many feel that even if they work hard, they may be replaced instead of being ready for real jobs. All this creates great anxiety. It is our responsibility to ensure that this anxiety does not turn into permanent despair, resentment or chaos. It must start with respect, work and fixing what needs to be fixed in the short term, so that classes can resume in peace to prepare for the future.