The French government has taken a step back from weeks of student protests that have gripped the country, presenting a package of proposals for education. But students are not satisfied and warn of continued demonstrations as France prepares for another national mobilization on November 5.
According to Reuters, student representatives emerged from a meeting with government officials on Monday with an offer that includes limiting the number of students in some classes, loans for school renovations and replacing the university admissions system, which students consider unfair.
But the concessions were not enough.
"Not all of our demands have been met. We will continue as long as necessary," declared Louis Letoublon, one of the high school student representatives.
The government has yet to officially confirm the proposals, and a press conference expected to announce the details has been postponed. It also remains unclear how much the package will cost, at a time when French public debt is approaching 120% of gross domestic product and Emmanuel Macron's minority government is struggling to pass next year's budget.
The protests, which began as student discontent, have morphed into a much broader movement, now involving unions and “Yellow Vest” activists. The violence of October 17, which spread to dozens of cities, raised serious concerns about the authorities’ ability to maintain public order.
President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Marseille to see the damage caused by Saturday's protests and to thank emergency services, acknowledged that the unrest could continue into next weekend.
He warned that security measures would remain in place and that authorities would try to move protests outside of city centers.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that 1,435 people were arrested across France during Saturday's demonstrations. According to him, police have also identified a new phenomenon: organized far-right groups directly confronting radical left activists.
In cities like Nice and Montpellier, these groups have appeared organized, claiming to aim to protect businesses, but according to the minister, their main target has been far-left activists.
The crisis is also having political consequences. A poll published on Sunday puts Marine Le Pen at the top of the race for the 2027 presidential election, with 32-33.5% of support, well ahead of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who is on 17%.
The economic consequences are also severe. Alain Di Crescenzo, head of the French network of chambers of commerce and industry, said that many businesses have remained closed for fear of violence, while sales have fallen by about 80%.
"We have tired and demoralized traders. We are killing local trade," he told Radio Classique.
While the government tries to calm the situation with proposals and security measures, the students show no sign of backing down.
Macron has offered a deal, but students are demanding more. And while the government tries to end the crisis at the negotiating table, the next national protest is already scheduled for November 5.
