Macron Vows Strong Measures After Weeks of Student Protests
Macron said Monday in Marseille that his government would announce concrete measures addressing student demands. He called the demands at the root of the movement legitimate.
70,000 police were deployed for Saturday's nationwide demonstrations.
1,435 people were arrested Saturday, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.
400,000 marched Saturday by official count; organizers said nearly 800,000.
80% drop in sales hit many retailers, chambers of commerce say.
Why it matters: Students want more school resources and changes to Parcoursup, the national university admissions platform. They say its selection process is unclear and unequal.
Oct. 17 protests turned violent, with looting, fires and storming of public buildings.
Police riot-control weapons face scrutiny over serious injuries to some teenagers.
What’s next: Nunez said he expects further disturbances during demonstrations planned for Oct. 31. Macron said protest routes will stay outside city centers.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said a return to calm must come before negotiations.
Will the announced measures satisfy student unions and the wider movement?
How can the government fund concessions given record public debt?
Will clashes between organized nationalist groups and left-wing activists spread?
