National Assembly votes on AESH bill

On Thursday, October 29, the National Assembly passed a bill aiming to grant permanent positions to AESH, or aides for students with disabilities, within a category B civil service corps. The proposal was introduced by deputy Murielle Lepvraud from the Côtes d'Armor, in response to long-standing demands from trade unions, parents of children with disabilities, and education professionals.

AESH's long-standing challenges

The AESH profession, established in 2015, has faced significant challenges, including low pay, limited career growth, and a lack of legal recognition. Many AESH workers live below the poverty line, with few opportunities for advancement or mobility in their careers.

Deputy's personal and political commitment

Murielle Lepvraud, who previously worked with AESH, has long advocated for better conditions for the profession. Since her election in 2022, she has focused on this issue, collaborating with colleague Nadège Abomangoli, who was the rapporteur on the same bill in 2022. She felt it was crucial to revisit the proposal given the lack of progress since then.

Political opposition and arguments

The bill was debated in the parliamentary group of France Insoumise. During discussions, Murielle Lepvraud noted strong opposition from far-right parties (RN and UDR) and parts of the Macronie (DEM, EPR, and HOR). These groups opposed the bill due to their general resistance to expanding the civil service and concerns about the financial cost.

Shift in parliamentary stance

Despite initial opposition, the same groups ultimately abstained from voting against the bill. They were influenced by the realization that some members had already supported a similar bill in 2024 and that opposing it could negatively affect their public image. Their decision to abstain was primarily a strategic move to avoid backlash.

Support from left-wing groups

The entire France Insoumise group and other left-wing groups (SOC, EcoS, and GDR) consistently supported the bill, both in the Commission on Cultural Affairs and Education and during the final vote in the National Assembly.

Next steps for the bill

This vote marks a critical first step in the legislative process, opening the door for AESH to eventually become civil servants. The next challenge is to ensure the bill is included on the Senate's agenda. Murielle Lepvraud hopes a senatorial group will take up the issue, and the government may also consider adding it to the Senate's schedule.

Connection to student movements

Recent student protests have highlighted the need for AESH in schools, with demonstrators carrying signs demanding support for students with disabilities. Murielle Lepvraud believes the newly passed law aligns with the current social movement in schools and universities, where students have observed the lack of support for their peers with disabilities.