Geffray unveils €4bn loan as student union orders continued school blockades

French high school students will continue to barricade their institutions and join street protests, a major student union declared on Monday. This decision follows the government's announcement of a new education package designed to address the ongoing crisis. The union rejected the initial offers, insisting that the current measures are insufficient for their needs.

Pierre Sourzat, a spokesperson for Les Lycéens, stated that the group remains in a power struggle with the state. He emphasized the need for continued mobilization to secure their maximum demands. The union argued that the government offered half measures rather than the full scope of solutions required by the student body.

The current standoff began more than five weeks ago when high school students started blockading schools in September. This movement has grown into the largest youth protest in years, with trade unions and cost-of-living demonstrators joining Saturday marches. Students originally demanded fixes for teacher shortages and dilapidated buildings featuring collapsing ceilings, mold, and broken facilities.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray acknowledged that some schools are not fit for teaching. He announced a €4 billion loan to regional authorities to begin necessary repairs. In response to overcrowding complaints, he set a class size cap of 28 for 15-year-olds in the first year of high school. This limit will apply to the 50 percent of schools in the lowest-income areas and expand to all high schools next year.

The government also plans to create more teaching posts and review the baccalaureate system. The Parcoursup university application platform, which critics call opaque, will be altered in 2027. A new system is scheduled to replace it in 2028. Parliament is set to debate this issue on Wednesday. Higher education minister Philippe Baptiste added that 15,000 extra student places will be created, with a focus on vocational courses.

Louis Letoublon, who met with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, expressed pride in the students' demonstrations. He noted that the government now understands it must listen to the youth. Letoublon stated that not all demands were met and that the group will continue for as long as necessary. Baptiste said the government's door remains open for further discussions.

Tensions remain high following incidents where children were injured by police explosive weapons and hundreds were arrested. Authorities increased security and restricted demonstrations after the violent clashes of 17 October. Curfews and protest bans are in place in several cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that ultra-right groups targeted protesters in organized formations in Nice and Montpellier, with 11 suspects facing charges.

President Emmanuel Macron visited Marseille on Monday and described the 31 October demonstrations as a day of risk. He noted that the country is in a state of turmoil six months before the presidential election. Macron steps down next spring while far-right leader Marine Le Pen leads the polls. Authorities have admitted to security failures that contributed to the recent clashes.