€4bn: France's new loan to fix schools meets student rejection

The French government announced a 4 billion euro loan for regional authorities to repair school buildings on Monday. The package was designed to address the physical state of schools, which have been a central grievance for high school students protesting for weeks.

Education minister Édouard Geffray stated that some schools were "not fit" for teaching. He detailed specific conditions students had reported, including collapsing ceilings, mold, broken toilets, and windows that would not shut. The loan is the primary financial component of a broader set of education measures revealed to student representatives.

Pierre Sourzat of the student group Les Lycéens rejected the offer in an interview with France Info television. He described the situation as a "power struggle" and said the group needed to maintain mobilization to meet its maximum demands. Sourzat argued that the government was offering "half measures" rather than the concrete actions the students wanted.

Louis Letoublon, who attended a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on behalf of Les Lycéens, said the government's response proved it was "afraid" and had to listen. He noted that while some demands were met, not all were. Letoublon stated the group would continue its efforts "for as long as it takes."

The student blockades began in September and have now lasted more than five weeks. The movement has grown into the largest youth protest in years, joined by trade unions and cost-of-living demonstrators. Regular mass street demonstrations have taken place on Saturdays, with protest routes often pushed to the outskirts of cities to manage security.

Geffray also announced changes to class sizes and university applications. Class sizes for 15-year-olds in the first year of high school will be capped at 28 in 50% of schools in the lowest-income areas. This cap will extend to all high schools next year. The government also pledged to create more teaching posts and review the baccalaureate system.

The university application platform Parcoursup will be changed in 2027 and replaced by a new system in 2028. Higher education minister Philippe Baptiste said 15,000 extra student places would be created, with a focus on vocational courses. Parliament is scheduled to hold a debate on these changes on Wednesday.

Security forces have tightened measures following violent clashes on 17 October, which involved looting, fires, and vandalism. Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said ultra-right groups arrived in "organised formations" in cities like Nice and Montpellier over the weekend. Eleven suspects are expected to face charges. Curfews and protest bans have been implemented in certain cities.

President Emmanuel Macron visited Marseille on Monday and described the upcoming demonstrations on 31 October as a "day of risk." He said the country should not be in such a state of turmoil six months before a presidential election. Macron steps down next spring, and far-right leader Marine Le Pen currently leads the polls.