Students Reject €4bn School Fix Plan
French student leaders demand continued blockades after the government pledges loans for repairs and caps on class sizes.
By Nour Haddad ·
French high school students plan to keep barricading their schools, a student union announced on Monday. The group rejected the government's new education package as insufficient. They want to maintain pressure until their demands are fully met.
Pierre Sourzat of Les Lycéens told France Info television that the union is in a power struggle. He said the group needs continued mobilization to secure its goals. Sourzat criticized the government's offer, stating, “We want measures, not half measures.”
The government announced a €4bn loan for regional authorities to repair school buildings. Education minister Édouard Geffray acknowledged that some schools are “not fit” for teaching. He cited issues like collapsing ceilings, mold, and broken toilets. The loan aims to address these structural problems.
Geffray also proposed capping class sizes for 15-year-olds at 28 students. This limit applies to the first year of high school in 50% of schools in low-income areas. He said the cap would extend to all high schools next year. The government will also create more teaching posts and review the baccalaureate system.
Changes are coming to the university application process. The current platform, Parcoursup, will be modified in 2027 and replaced in 2028. Higher education minister Philippe Baptiste said 15,000 extra student places will be created. These spots will focus on vocational courses. Parliament will debate these changes on Wednesday.
Louis Letoublon attended a meeting with prime minister Sébastien Lecornu on behalf of the students. He said the government is afraid and must listen. Letoublon noted that not all demands were met. He stated the union will go on for as long as it takes. Baptiste said the government’s door is open for more discussions.
The protests have caused physical harm and arrests. Several children were maimed or injured by police explosive weapons. Hundreds were held in police custody. Authorities increased security after a violent day on 17 October. That day saw looting, fires, and vandalism. Curfews and protest bans are in place in some cities.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez reported new clashes in Nice and Montpellier. Ultra-right groups targeted protesters in organized formations. Eleven suspects face charges. President Emmanuel Macron called the next protest day on 31 October a “day of risk.” He said the country should not be in such turmoil six months before the election. Macron steps down next spring.
