Macron promises action after student unrest

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 that have grown into nationwide unrest.

“I have asked the Government to address the legitimate demands at the root of this protest movement,” Macron said during a visit to the southern port city of Marseille, where protesters briefly stormed City Hall during rioting and looting on October 17. “The prime minister and Government ministers will announce several major, concrete measures this afternoon,” Macron said. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and other Government officials were scheduled to meet with high school and university students later Monday. Macron and his centrist Government have faced criticism for failing to address students’ grievances since high school blockades began in mid-September.

The October 17 demonstrations against rising living costs and school conditions descended into violence, with groups setting fires, storming public buildings, looting shops and clashing with police in France’s worst unrest in years.