France protests: Macron promises 'concrete measures' over student demands - amid fears of Halloween unrest

Emmanuel Macron says his government will unveil "concrete measures" in response to the demands of student protesters for more resources in France.

Over 1,400 people were arrested at the weekend as at least 400,000 took to the streets in towns and cities across the country.

Demonstrators clashed with police in many locations - often being met with tear gas and water cannon - with some looting shops, setting off fireworks and starting fires.

Another weekend of trouble could be just days away.

"Halloween evening is traditionally always a bit lively. ‌We expect it to be complicated again," interior minister Laurent Nunez told BFMTV.

The protests began over students' discontent with what they say is underfunding of the education system and an unequal university admissions process.

However, they have widened to include grievances over the rising cost of living and public services.

The French president, who on Monday was in Marseille to survey damage from previous protests, said he had "asked the government to respond to the legitimate demands that lie at the root ‌of this social movement".

"The prime minister and government ministers will announce several major, concrete measures this afternoon," Mr Macron said.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and officials were scheduled to meet student unions on Monday.

French media said the government was expected to announce changes to Parcoursup, the university admissions platform.

It is unclear whether any more concessions will be made over complaints of long school days, too few teachers, crowded classrooms and crumbling buildings.

The government previously promised to send an extra 3,000 teachers into high schools.

Interior minister Laurent Nuez said 1,435 people had been arrested nationwide on Saturday and that police had seen clashes between far-left and far-right groups.

"We knew there had been calls from numerous identity-based and nationalist movements to come out, officially, to defend businesses," said Mr Nunez.

"In a number of cities, such as Nice and Montpellier, ⁠these groups arrived in organised formations, mainly to target the ultra-left movement."

The government has said its response to last weekend's unrest was a success, especially compared with the chaos of the previous week when France saw some of its worst unrest in years.

Mr Macron said the state had "fulfilled its responsibilities", while government ​spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told RTL Radio "the state prevailed this weekend. The state was strong".

Union leaders have encouraged people to take part in further protests next Saturday - which falls on Halloween - ahead of a nationwide strike on 5 November.

Mr Macron's term as president ends next April and the current leading candidates are from opposite ends of the political spectrum; the far-right's Marine Le Pen and hard-left rival Jean-Luc Melenchon.

(c) Sky News 2026: France protests: Macron promises 'concrete measures' over student demands - amid fears of Halloween unre