French President promises 'concrete measures' in response to French students' demands

French President Emmanuel Macron said the government would announce "concrete measures" on Monday to address school students' demands for more resources and better learning conditions, after weeks of class boycotts, blockades and demonstrations. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and other officials were to meet high school and university students later Monday. Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste announced "substantial change" for 2027 and the replacement of the Parcoursup university admissions platform in 2028, according to AP. Students have criticized Parcoursup's unclear selection criteria and unequal access. Demonstrations on Oct. 17 against rising living costs and poor school conditions turned violent, with fires, looting and clashes with police, and protesters briefly stormed Marseille's City Hall. Authorities estimated turnout at more than 400,000 at a Saturday round of protests, while organizers put it at nearly 800,000. Students also demand more teachers, school renovations and smaller classes.

Where accounts differ. Authorities and organizers gave conflicting turnout figures for the Saturday demonstrations, with authorities estimating more than 400,000 and organizers nearly 800,000; the Parcoursup replacement timeline appears only in the Toronto Star (AP) article.

The Globe and MailToronto Star

Written by AI from these outlets' articles: facts they report, claims attributed, numbers checked against the sources. It may still contain errors; read the originals.