Protests in France Continue; Nationwide Rally Scheduled for November 5

Protests in France have continued into the week despite the government’s announcement of a package of education measures. Student leaders, after meeting with government representatives, said the proposals fall short of their demands and vowed the demonstrations would go on.

Proposals, response and the date of the next nationwide rally

The measures under discussion include limits on class sizes, credits for school reconstruction and changes to the university admissions system. The government has not yet formally confirmed the new measures.

A mass national protest has been announced for November 5. The unrest, which began with student grievances, has broadened into a wider challenge for the authorities amid political divisions and constrained budgetary room.

President Emmanuel Macron’s government does not have a parliamentary majority, while public debt is approaching 120 percent of gross domestic product — factors that complicate negotiations over next year’s budget.

Following recent disturbances in Marseille, Macron said security measures will remain in place and that authorities will try to shift protests away from city centres.

The political fallout from the crisis is already affecting voter sentiment ahead of next year’s presidential election. In the most recent polls, right‑wing politician Marine Le Pen is reported to have support between 32 to 33.5 percent, while far‑left leader Jean‑Luc Mélenchon is at 17 percent.

Photo: press material from the event