French PM announces education concessions; students vow to continue protests

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced five concessions on Monday aimed at quelling weeks of student protests over education policy, but student associations immediately rejected the measures as "insufficient" and pledged to maintain their mobilizations. The government offered 15,000 new university places, a €1 billion renovation fund for schools, and a gradual reduction of class sizes to 28 students, among other measures Source: El Nacional (VE).

The measures

The concessions include a reform of the Parcoursup university admissions platform, which will be partial in 2027 and potentially replaced in 2028, though final implementation will depend on the government elected in the April–May presidential elections Source: Euronews (Español). The government also committed to creating 15,000 additional higher education places (10,000 in BTS, 4,000 in IUT, and 1,000 in health programs), a €1 billion investment plan for school renovations supplemented by €4 billion in loans, a progressive cap of 28 students per class (with a priority for disadvantaged areas), and an inflation-linked increase in scholarships Source: Infobae.

Student reaction

Student leaders criticized the government for first briefing a group of students they deemed unrepresentative, calling it "a slight" and accusing the executive of trying to divide them Source: El Español. They described the proposals as "crumbs" and demanded far more: the complete abolition of the current university admissions system, 250,000 new higher education places, and €10 billion in investment Source: El Mercurio (Emol).

What's next

Student associations confirmed they will continue protests, including a rally on Saturday and a call to resume school blockades when classes resume on November 2 Source: El Nacional (VE). They will also join a general strike called by several unions for November 5 Source: Infobae. President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the risk of further unrest, stating that Saturday's demonstrations are "of risk" and that routes will be kept away from city centers to protect businesses Source: Euronews (Español).