On Wednesday, September 30, France 2’s program 4 Vérités hosted Minister of Labor Jean-Pierre Farandou, who discussed the current wave of school blockades in France. Students have been protesting over issues such as overcrowded classrooms, aging school infrastructure, and frequent teacher absences. While Farandou acknowledged the students' concerns, he emphasized that he does not condone the violence linked to the protests. According to reports, 38 people were injured during the demonstrations, including a student from the vocational high school in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, who suffered serious injuries from a grenade. An investigation by the IGPN, France’s national police oversight body, has been launched into the incident. Farandou stated that while he supports the right to protest, he strongly opposes damage to public property and violent acts. He noted that 440 people were arrested around high schools, a record number, and called on social organizations to help students express their demands without resorting to violence. He also touched on wage increases, suggesting that companies with strong financial positions should consider raising salaries. However, he acknowledged that not all businesses may be able to afford such increases. The government has provided a mechanism for wage growth through the fuel allowance, which is fully transferred to employees. Regarding inflation, Farandou confirmed that certain benefits, including the RSA (a minimum income guarantee), adult disability allowance, and minimum pension, will be fully adjusted to match the expected 1.8% inflation rate this year. However, other allocations will require further discussion in Parliament. He also mentioned that the activity bonus, a financial incentive for working people, will not be indexed in the initial budget but could be revised later. Farandou addressed concerns about potential job cuts at France Travail, a public employment agency, stating that the government is working to reduce budget deficits. He noted that the concept of "effort"—meaning cost-saving measures—will apply broadly, including within state agencies and ministries. Despite economic challenges, he assured that support for apprenticeships and youth engagement contracts would remain in place. Meanwhile, the Minister of National Education has raised concerns about the violence associated with the school blockades, though he recognizes the validity of students’ demands. Separately, reports indicate that the far-right party RN has faced criticism over antisemitic content allegedly linked to its leader, Jordan Bardella, with some political figures expressing deep concern. There are also reports of civil servants joining street protests to demand better purchasing power, and new satellite images have shown the extent of destruction in Gaza.