French Schools: Students Reject Government Concessions

Pierre Sourzat of Les Lycéens told France Info television that the student union is in a power struggle and must maintain pressure to meet its demands. The union urged high school pupils to continue barricading schools and joining street protests on Monday, rejecting the government's new package of education measures.

The government announced a €4 billion loan to regional authorities to repair school buildings that Education Minister Édouard Geffray described as not fit for teaching. Geffray also stated that class sizes for 15-year-olds in the first year of high school will be capped at 28 in 50% of schools in the lowest-income areas this year, with the cap extending to all high schools next year.

Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste said 15,000 additional student places will be created in higher education, focusing on vocational courses. The government confirmed that the Parcoursup university application platform will be changed in 2027 and replaced by a new system in 2028. Parliament will debate the issue on Wednesday.

Louis Letoublon, who attended a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on behalf of Les Lycéens, said the government is afraid and knows it must listen. He noted that not all demands were met and that the union will continue until they are. Sourzat summarized the union's position by saying they want measures, not half measures.

The protests began more than five weeks ago in September and have grown into the largest youth protest movement in years. The movement is joined by trade unions and cost-of-living protesters in regular Saturday demonstrations. Several children have been injured by police explosive weapons, and hundreds have been arrested.

Authorities increased security measures after France experienced its worst day of violence in years on 17 October, which saw looting, fires, and vandalism. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said ultra-right groups arrived in organized formations in cities like Nice and Montpellier on the weekend, and eleven suspects face charges. Curfews and protest bans remain in place in certain cities.

President Emmanuel Macron visited Marseille on Monday and warned that the next demonstration on 31 October would be a day of risk. He stated that the country should not be in such a state of turmoil six months before a presidential election, where he steps down next spring and Marine Le Pen is leading the polls. Macron added that nothing is a foregone conclusion.