Geffray Offers 4 Billion Euro Loan as Students Reject Terms

Four billion euros is the sum the French government pledged on Monday to regional authorities for school repairs, a figure announced by Education Minister Édouard Geffray amid ongoing youth protests. The funding aims to address structural decay in high schools, including collapsing ceilings and broken windows.

Despite the new financial commitment, student leaders rejected the government's package as insufficient. Pierre Sourzat of the union Les Lycéens stated that the group remains in a power struggle and requires continued mobilization. He emphasized that students want concrete measures rather than half steps. The union urged pupils to keep barricading schools and participate in street demonstrations.

The government also proposed capping class sizes for 15-year-olds at 28 students in the 50% of schools located in the lowest-income areas. This cap will expand to all high schools next year. Additionally, the administration plans to create more teaching posts and review the baccalaureate system. The university application platform, Parcoursup, will change in 2027 and be replaced by a new system in 2028.

Philippe Baptiste, the higher education minister, said 15,000 extra student places would be created in higher education, with a focus on vocational courses. Louis Letoublon, who met with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, acknowledged that the government was listening. However, he noted that not all demands were met and the union would continue protesting until they were satisfied.

The crisis began more than five weeks ago when high school blockades started in September. The movement has grown into the largest youth protest in years, joined by trade unions and cost-of-living protesters. On 17 October, France experienced its worst day of violence in years, featuring looting and vandalism. Several children were maimed or seriously injured during the protests, and hundreds were arrested.

President Emmanuel Macron visited Marseille on Monday to discuss the situation. He described the upcoming demonstrations on 31 October as a day of risk. Macron noted that the country is six months from a presidential election, with Marine Le Pen leading the polls. He stated that the government will continue to hold the line to address legitimate expectations and maintain order.