France’s €5 billion education package has not eased teachers’ objections, while student leaders are keeping demonstrations on the calendar as debt-market pressure limits the government’s room to respond.
On TF1, Budget Minister David Amiel put the announced package’s expected price at €5 billion ($5.6 billion); he said cuts to other spending would offset it. Reuters reported that bond-market pressure to reduce public debt constrains the government’s capacity to offer further concessions.
The package would cap enrollment at 28 students in some classes. It also includes billions of euros in loans for renovation work and changes to university admissions. Sophie Venetitay, secretary-general of teachers’ union SNES-FSU, said caps should cover more classes and schools need more staff to improve students’ learning conditions.
The Education Ministry had previously outlined steps on student participation, admissions guidance, school schedules, buildings and teacher absences. On Oct. 9, it said it planned to send more than 3,000 substitute teachers to the high schools with the greatest need, as detailed in an earlier plan to address student concerns.
Reuters reported that the movement began with high school blockades over staffing and resources before drawing in trade unions and the Yellow Vests amid wider anger over public services and living costs. The unrest has also strengthened the political position of Marine Le Pen, France’s far-right leader, Reuters said. Reuters reported that Le Pen is favored to finish first in the opening round of next spring’s presidential election.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on RTL that a heavy security presence was planned for the Oct. 31 demonstration. Nationwide protests two weeks earlier gave way to violence and looting, prompting curfews and bans on large gatherings, Reuters reported. Student organizers say they will demonstrate again on Oct. 31 and Nov. 5.
