The spokespeople of the main French student organizations that met this Friday with President Emmanuel Macron have decided to move forward with the mobilizations called for this Saturday, despite the commitments announced by the head of state to modify the secondary education system.
The "reform" proposed by Macron does not satisfy secondary school students, who demand the total elimination of "Parcoursup," a complex mechanism for accessing university that has also overburdened teachers.
The president of the Renouveau Lycéen association, Nathanael Combary, argues that "constant mobilization" is "the only way to achieve concrete progress." In the same vein, the leader of the Union Syndicale des Étudiants de Secondaire, Ryad Rani, criticizes that Macron's proposal falls short of their demands.
"We talk about the repeal of Parcoursup, and he responds with a total reform. Big promises, empty words," Rani has denounced to the French media, on the eve of a new day of marches and gatherings driven not only by the student movement but also by the large collective of 'yellow vests,' who are protesting against the rising cost of living.
France is on high alert for tomorrow, especially after the government assured that the serious disturbances of last weekend will not be repeated. Macron has urged to "prohibit demonstrations organized by 'illegitimate' individuals," an expression that left-wing parties say they do not understand, as there is no similar reference in current legislation.
In response, seven left-wing parties (including La France Insoumise, Greens, Socialists, and Communists) have filed a complaint this Friday with the Council of State to challenge the words spoken by Macron on Thursday regarding the prohibition of demonstrations not called by unions.