French Students Vow to Continue Protests Despite Education Concessions

French student leaders said protests and school blockades would continue after the government announced measures addressing overcrowding, deteriorating buildings and university admissions.

The package includes €4 billion in loans to regional authorities for school repairs and a cap of 28 students in some classes for 15-year-olds. The cap would initially apply to half of schools in the lowest-income areas before expanding to all high schools next year. The government also promised more teaching posts and a review of the baccalaureate system.

Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste said 15,000 additional higher-education places would be created, primarily in vocational courses. The government also proposed €1 billion for university campuses and plans to adjust student grants for inflation.

Officials pledged to revise the Parcoursup university application platform in 2027 and replace it with a new system in 2028. Students have criticized the platform as opaque and socially unfair.

Student representatives said the proposals did not meet all their demands. Pierre Sourzat of the Les Lycéens union called for continued mobilization, while representative Louis Letoublon said further protests would be organized unless students saw concrete changes.

The demonstrations began with complaints about teacher and staff shortages, overcrowded classes and unsafe school buildings. They have since drawn support from trade unions and other protest groups. Baptiste said the government remained open to further discussions but called for students to return to class.