CGT leader warns French government that school protests could linger without budget changes

On France 2, CGT secretary-general Sophie Binet addressed Economy Minister Roland Lescure, cautioning that the high-school protests could become a lasting movement if the state does not adjust its fiscal plan. She denounced the removal of a large number of permanent teaching posts in the 2027 budget and the resulting strain on classrooms. Binet also pointed to persistent problems with the Parcoursup admissions system and warned that cosmetic measures would not satisfy young people.

Lescure responded by emphasizing the need for a swift budget adoption, mentioning extra resources for substitute teachers and describing demographic decline as a factor in staffing decisions. Beyond education, Binet criticized broader austerity steps, such as partial de-indexing of pensions and a freeze on housing assistance, which she said would erode purchasing power. She called for the abandonment of these measures and reiterated the inter-union call for renewed mobilisation.