Students demand 10 billion euros for education reforms

French students are calling for 10 billion euros to improve the education system, focusing on hiring more teachers, repairing old schools, and adding 250,000 higher education spots. This request was officially launched on October 5 by two student unions, continuing a nationwide protest that began in Créteil on September 21.

Oxfam highlights billionaire wealth as potential funding source

Oxfam France pointed out that 2% of the wealth held by French billionaires could cover the students' 10 billion euro request. This estimate is based on a 2023 report that linked similar funding to addressing the pension deficit. Since 2020, billionaire wealth in France has grown by over 200 billion euros.

Billionaire wealth has surged dramatically

The combined wealth of 147 French billionaires reached nearly 1,000 billion euros in 2024, meaning 2% of that total is about 20 billion euros—double what students are asking for. This highlights the significant increase in wealth among the country’s richest individuals.

LVMH boss donates to university, but students call for tax contributions

Bernard Arnault, the head of luxury giant LVMH, recently donated 50 million euros to the École Polytechnique for a new institute. However, students have called on him to contribute through taxes, noting his preference for his own educational institution over public schools.

Debate grows on corporate responsibility in education funding

Communist senator Ian Brossat has raised the issue of whether large companies should contribute more to the education crisis, sparking public discussion. Although the students have not yet received the 10 billion euros they requested, their protests have successfully brought attention to their cause.