Geffray unveils 4bn euro school repair loan as students vow to keep barricading

4 billion euros. That is the amount the French government pledged on Monday to regional authorities to begin repairing dilapidated school infrastructure. Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced the loan during a meeting with high school representatives, stating that some buildings were so degraded they were no longer fit for teaching.

The funding is part of a broader package of measures aimed at stemming the crisis that has gripped the country. Geffray said the government would cap class sizes for 15-year-olds in the first year of high school at 28 students. This cap will apply to 50 percent of schools in the lowest-income areas immediately, with plans to extend it to all high schools next year. The minister also confirmed that more teaching posts would be created.

Student leaders, however, viewed the concessions with skepticism. Pierre Sourzat, a representative of the student union Les Lycéens, told France Info television that the group was in a power struggle. He argued that continued mobilization was necessary to meet their maximum demands. Sourzat characterized the government's offer as half measures rather than the concrete actions the students had requested.

Louis Letoublon, who attended a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, echoed this sentiment. He acknowledged that the government was acting out of fear and a need to listen, but noted that not all demands were met. Letoublon declared that the students would continue their efforts for as long as it takes to secure a full resolution.

The protests began in September and have persisted for more than five weeks. High school pupils originally demanded an end to teacher shortages and repairs to buildings suffering from collapsing ceilings, mold, broken toilets, and windows that did not shut. The movement has grown into the largest youth protest in years, joined by trade unions and cost-of-living protesters who gather in mass street demonstrations every Saturday.

The government also proposed changes to the university application platform, Parcoursup. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste stated that the system would be modified in 2027 and replaced entirely in 2028. He added that 15,000 extra student places would be created in higher education, with a focus on vocational courses. Parliament is scheduled to debate this issue on Wednesday.

Security concerns remain high following the violent clashes on 17 October, which included looting, fires, and vandalism of state buildings. Authorities have increased security measures, imposed curfews in certain cities, and banned demonstrations in some areas. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that ultra-right groups arrived in organized formations in cities like Nice and Montpellier over the weekend, targeting protesters. Eleven suspects face charges related to these incidents.

President Emmanuel Macron visited Marseille on Monday and warned that the next demonstration on 31 October would be a day of risk. He described the current state of turmoil as abnormal with a presidential election six months away. Macron acknowledged security and intelligence failures that paved the way for the recent clashes, while noting that he would step down next spring as Marine Le Pen currently leads the polls.