On Friday, September 18, Minister Edouard Geffray assured the public that the national education budget for 2027 will not decrease. This came the day after the government unveiled its budgetary guidelines. Geffray emphasized that the education budget would see an increase of at least 800 million euros in the upcoming finance bill. He noted that this increase had already been communicated during the summer. Earlier, in late August, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu outlined his budgetary guidelines, stating that the Ministry of National Education would be among the protected sectors, with a specific mention of an 800 million euro increase, despite a decline in student numbers due to demographic changes. Aurélie Gagnier, general secretary of the FSU-SNUipp, a teachers' union, expressed concerns that the decline of the school system would continue. She pointed out the ongoing need for substitute teachers, school psychologists, and staff in Rased, which are specialized support networks for students facing difficulties. Gagnier also criticized the continuation of a freeze on the index point—a measure that affects salary adjustments—arguing that it would continue to negatively impact teachers' purchasing power. Sophie Vénétitay, general secretary of Snes-FSU, the largest union representing secondary school staff, called for clarity regarding the education budget. She stressed that the needs within the education system are immense and that the budget must address key issues, particularly the initial measures for the salaries of all staff. Vénétitay highlighted the importance of resolving any ambiguity around funding to ensure the system can meet its challenges effectively. While the government has committed to increasing the education budget, educators and unions remain cautious. They emphasize that while the financial allocation is a positive step, the real challenge lies in how the funds are distributed and whether they will be sufficient to address the growing demands in schools. The unions are pushing for clear communication and concrete plans to ensure the education system can adapt to current and future needs.