France offers concessions to students but protests continue

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French government offers student concessions, but unions call new marches for October 31

On Monday the government met student unions after weeks of unrest, and a report says it promised to phase out an unpopular university admissions system by 2028. Unions hailed progress but called for fresh demonstrations on Saturday, October 31, to press for more. Macron said on Monday he was ruling out a state of emergency for now. On Sunday the government fast-tracked a bill making protesters liable for damage at demonstrations, which trade unions say curbs the right to protest.

• The interior ministry said at least 1,300 people were arrested at Saturday's protests, and at least 50 officers and three protesters were hurt.
• The interior ministry reported 410,000 demonstrators on Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions claimed 800,000.
• Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said ultra-left groups threw projectiles and fireworks at police.
• Clashes and tear gas were reported in Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Nantes and Bordeaux, but officials avoided a repeat of the previous weekend's rioting and looting.