The French government has pledged 5 billion euros for the renovation of schools and universities to quell mass student protests, according to NOS Nieuws. Despite these concessions and a promise to hire 500 additional teachers, student unions have rejected the measures as insufficient and scheduled new demonstrations for Saturday.
Government pledges 5 billion euros for school renovations
Education ministers Geffray and Baptiste announced that 5 billion euros will be allocated to modernize decaying school buildings and universities. NOS Nieuws reports that these funds will be provided to local governments primarily through loans. This move follows weeks of protests over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and high workloads.
To address class sizes, the government is implementing a maximum of 28 students per class in la Seconde (the first year of upper secondary school). In urban areas, these classes often exceed 35 students, according to NOS Nieuws. To support this reduction, the state will hire 500 new teachers.
Did you know? The protests began with education grievances but evolved into a broader movement. The actions now include labor unions, farmers, and the “yellow vests” opposition movement.
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University admission system faces 2028 replacement
President Emmanuel Macron has committed to replacing the Parcoursup university admission system by 2028. Students have criticized the current system for unclear selection criteria and unequal opportunities, which they claim prevent them from entering their desired fields of study. NRC reports that Macron promised a thorough overhaul of the system before its total replacement in 2028.
Ministers Geffray and Baptiste pledged to create 15,000 extra spots in higher education to expand study opportunities for students.
Student unions maintain mobilization despite concessions
Following a meeting with Sébastien Lecornu, student representatives announced they will continue to mobilize. While some unions expressed satisfaction with the announced measures, they maintain that not all demands have been met. A representative for secondary students told Reuters, “We will continue as long as necessary.”
The group Renouveau lycéen has specifically called for further demonstrations on October 31 and November 5, the latter of which coincides with a national strike planned by labor unions.
| Measure | Government Offer | Student/Union Response |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | 5 billion euros (mostly loans) | Insufficient/Continue protesting |
| Class Sizes | Max 28 students in la Seconde | Not all demands met |
| Admissions | Parcoursup replaced by 2028 | Mobilization continues |
Macron warns of state of emergency and security risks
President Macron has labeled the upcoming Saturday and November 5 as “risky days.” Following riots on October 17 that caused hundreds of millions of euros in damage and led to over 2,300 arrests, the government has restricted the right to demonstrate. Interior Minister Nuñez stated that the deployment of 70,000 police officers during recent weekends prevented further looting, according to NOS Nieuws.
Macron indicated that protesters may be banned from city centers on November 5. He also noted that the government may declare a state of emergency, which would grant police the authority to perform preventive searches and mandate that some citizens stay home.
Common questions about the French education protests
Why are students still protesting if the government offered 5 billion euros?
Student unions argue that the measures do not resolve all their demands. NRC reports that representatives stated they will continue to mobilize until all requirements are met.
What is the Parcoursup system and why is it being changed?
It is the national system for university admissions. Students claim it is unfair and lacks transparency, leading the government to promise a full replacement by 2028, as reported by NOS Nieuws.
What happens on November 5?
Labor unions have scheduled a national strike for this date. President Macron has warned it will be a high-risk day and may prohibit protesters from entering city centers.
NRC notes that the 2028 timeline for the admission system replacement may fall to Macron’s successor, as the president is ineligible for re-election in April after serving two terms.
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