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French student leaders have vowed on Monday to continue protests despite government concessions on education, as pressure on President Emmanuel Macron mounts and unrest spreads across the country.
According to Reuters, the government has announced several measures to address students’ concerns. These include smaller classes in some high schools, €4 billion in loans to renovate schools and plans to replace the university admissions system by 2028.
Students have criticised the current admissions system, saying it treats applicants unfairly based on their social backgrounds. However, student leaders say the concessions do not meet all their demands.
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“Not all our demands were met. We’ll go on for as long as it takes,” said Louis Letoublon, a high school student representative, after meeting government officials in Paris.
The package also includes €1 billion for university campuses, higher student grants to match inflation and 15,000 additional places in higher education.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the government recognised the pressure facing schools and universities.
“It’s clear we have to ease the pressure being felt in the education system,” he told reporters.
The protests have grown beyond education, drawing support from trade unions and yellow-vest activists. The movement has become a major test for Macron’s minority government.
The government also faces financial limits as France’s national debt approaches 120 per cent of gross domestic product. High borrowing needs have complicated efforts to agree on next year’s budget, leaving officials with limited room to increase spending.
The unrest began with student discontent but has continued following violent clashes nine days ago. The violence affected dozens of cities and raised concerns about the government’s ability to maintain public order.
Macron has acknowledged the risk of further unrest before a nationwide protest planned for November 5. During a visit to Marseille to inspect damage and thank emergency workers, he said security measures would remain in place. He also said the government would work to move protests away from city centres.
France’s government bond selloff paused on Monday after Moody’s refrained from downgrading the country’s sovereign debt on Friday. However, business leaders said the unrest continued to hurt the economy.
