Marseille, 26 October. French President Emmanuel Macron said the government would on Monday announce "several major, concrete measures" in response to the demands of school students whose class boycotts, high school blockades and demonstrations have grown into nationwide unrest: "I have asked the government to address the legitimate demands at the root of this protest movement," he told reporters in Marseille.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will announce the measures after meeting high school student unions. According to French media, changes are expected to Parcoursup, the national online university admissions platform. Students are also demanding more teachers to cover absences, school renovations, changes to teaching hours and smaller classes; on 8 October the government promised to send 3,000 additional substitute teachers to struggling high schools.
High school blockades began in mid-September, and on 17 October demonstrations turned into some of the country's worst rioting in years: anger over the rising cost of living added to the students' demands, and in Marseille protesters briefly stormed City Hall. Last weekend 70,000 police officers were deployed. Asked whether he expected further disturbances at demonstrations planned for 31 October, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez replied: "Clearly, yes".
What it means: The authorities are trying to defuse the protests with concessions to students, but have little room for costly decisions: Macron's term ends in April, and public finances are under severe strain.
Who benefits: School and university students get a chance at changes to admission rules and additional teachers. The government hopes to calm the protests before 31 October.
Background: Macron met representatives of high school students on Friday, but after the meeting they urged students to keep protesting until concrete proposals were put forward. The next demonstrations are planned for 31 October.
