Funding approved for educational institutions

The Regional Council has approved about 92.5 million euros for the 2027 general operating grant for public educational institutions in the Hauts-de-France Region. This funding will be used to cover expenses like energy bills, building maintenance, and the purchase of educational materials.

Initial proposal and revised amount

The initial proposal for the 2027 funding, presented on October 2 by Laurent Rigaud, the vice president in charge of high schools, was 88.2 million euros. In response to widespread student protests, the region increased the funding by 3.5 million euros, announcing the change on October 5.

President’s decision and student demonstration

President Xavier Bertrand personally approved the increased funding, which was announced just hours before a student delegation arrived to demonstrate outside the regional headquarters. The decision marked the start of the plenary session where the funding was discussed.

Student protests and local involvement

Students have continued to protest in front of their schools, with large demonstrations in Lille drawing up to 20,000 people on average in recent weeks. They have also managed to be included in the agendas of municipal councils, showing their growing influence on local politics.

Roubaix city council engagement

At the beginning of October, the city of Roubaix invited six high school students to speak before its municipal council, allowing them to explain the reasons behind their mobilization. This engagement continued with further discussions on October 16.