France promises education reforms after nationwide protests

NewsWorld NewsEurope NewsFrance pledges education reforms after protests over costs, school funding France pledges education reforms after protests over costs, school funding Edited by Prisha Patnaik / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Oct 27, 2026, 03:20 IST France’s government on Monday pledged to replace its national university admissions platform by 2028 and introduce a series of education reforms, seeking to address student grievances after weeks of protests over university access, school funding and the rising cost of living.Higher education minister Philippe Baptiste announced that the existing platform, Parcoursup, would undergo “substantial change” for the 2027 admissions round before being replaced the following year.

The government also promised smaller classes, additional teaching posts, more higher education places, increased student grants and funding for building renovations.The concessions follow France’s worst unrest in years on October 17, when demonstrations over education and living costs escalated into rioting and looting.

According to the Associated Press, protesters set fires, looted shops, clashed with police and attacked public buildings. Groups briefly stormed Marseille’s City Hall, while a fire at Limoges’ 19th-century town hall brought down its roof and clock tower.About 2,400 people were arrested in connection with the demonstrations, even as hundreds of thousands of people took part in peaceful marches.

The movement, which began with school blockades in mid-September, has expanded beyond education to include workers demanding relief from rising living costs. Two high school student groups welcomed some of the government’s concessions but called for protests to continue, according to the AP.

Their representatives met Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu earlier on Monday, before the government announced the measures. Further demonstrations are planned for October 31, followed by nationwide strikes and protests called by labour unions for November 5.Changes to Parcoursup Parcoursup allows students to apply to universities and other higher education courses and receive admissions decisions.

A record 1.05 million people applied through the platform this year, according to France’s higher education ministry.Students have criticised the system over what they describe as unclear selection criteria and unequal access to preferred courses.

Under the changes announced for the 2027 admissions round, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria. The platform would also provide explanatory information alongside rejections, while institutions would be required to give applicants the reasons for their decisions if asked.The government said a committee involving students and teachers would submit initial recommendations for a replacement system by the end of November.

Legislation may be introduced if required to implement the proposed changes.The 2028 deadline, however, means the replacement system is unlikely to be delivered during president Emmanuel Macron’s current term. Macron cannot seek a third consecutive term in 2027, leaving the next president and government responsible for implementing the central promise.The AP reported that far-right leader Marine Le Pen was leading polling ahead of the first round of presidential voting scheduled for April 18, with a runoff planned for May 2.

Her National Rally party has sought to capitalise on the unrest by presenting itself as a force for law and order and urging voters to channel their anger into support for her presidential bid.The replacement platform has yet to be designed, and possible legal changes remain unresolved, leaving key questions unanswered as the government tries to persuade students to end the protests.More places, grants and school funding You use AI every day.

Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test. Prisha Patnaik is a journalist with The Times of India, writing across geopolitics, international affairs, culture, history and internet culture. With over two years of experience in social media and digital content, she is interested in how news, politics and culture are shaped for digital audiences.

She holds a master’s degree in Media and Communications from Goldsmiths, University of London. El-Sayed Mocks Trump For Gushing Over Nicki Minaj's Body Instead Of Answering Tough Questions 'YAHOOS!' JD Vance Fires Back At Hecklers During Montana Speech, Tears Into Democrats In Fiery Rant Bill Maher UNFAZED?

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