France promises education reforms after nationwide protests

File photo: Protesters march during a demonstration in Paris France’s government on Monday pledged to replace its national university admissions platform by 2028 and introduce a series of education reforms, seeking to address student grievances after weeks of protests over university access, school funding and the rising cost of living.Higher education minister Philippe Baptiste announced that the existing platform, Parcoursup, would undergo “substantial change” for the 2027 admissions round before being replaced the following year. The government also promised smaller classes, additional teaching posts, more higher education places, increased student grants and funding for building renovations.The concessions follow France’s worst unrest in years on October 17, when demonstrations over education and living costs escalated into rioting and looting. According to the Associated Press, protesters set fires, looted shops, clashed with police and attacked public buildings. Groups briefly stormed Marseille’s City Hall, while a fire at Limoges’ 19th-century town hall brought down its roof and clock tower.About 2,400 people were arrested in connection with the demonstrations, even as hundr...