On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Édouard Geffray, the Minister of National Education, announced a new rule to prevent presidential candidates from campaigning directly to students within school settings. This measure marks the first time such a prohibition will be explicitly enforced, covering all levels of education from kindergarten through high school. The minister emphasized that while schools are often discussed in political contexts, they should not become a venue for political campaigns. Speaking on France 2, Geffray explained that the decision is rooted in the "principle of neutrality of the public service," a concept that ensures public institutions remain impartial and free from political influence. He clarified that while candidates could still meet with school staff outside of classrooms, provided the staff agrees, they would not be allowed to campaign inside classrooms or be photographed with students. "I consider that students aged 10, 12, 13 years old should not see a candidate arrive in their classroom to campaign," Geffray said, emphasizing the importance of protecting young students from political exposure. The minister stressed that the new rule was not a reaction to any specific incidents or fears of misconduct. Instead, he argued that clear and written rules are more effective in ensuring compliance. "Rules are always easier to enforce when they are clear and when they are written," he stated, highlighting the importance of having a formal policy in place. This decision reflects a broader effort to maintain the integrity of the educational environment by ensuring that political activities do not interfere with the academic mission of schools. By setting these boundaries, the government aims to reinforce the idea that schools should remain neutral spaces focused on learning, rather than political engagement.