High school students in France on Tuesday launched new protests, called for by a union coalition that includes organizations of high school students, university students and teachers. In the face of this social tension that has continued for more than a month, the French government announced on Monday that the minimum wage would be raised by 1.6 percent, effective December 1, which is “the second largest increase in 20 years.”

Published on: 10/11/2026 - 14:24

A union coalition that includes organizations for high school students, university students, and teachers called for a new day of demonstrations on Tuesday, as the social tension that has prevailed in the country has continued for more than a month without any real signs of moving beyond this stage.

The French government announced on Monday that the minimum wage would be raised by 1.6 percent, effective December 1, after weeks of protests demanding improved purchasing power and movements by high school students and university students.

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Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Varandeau said during a press conference that the government decided to advance the date of the automatic increase, which was scheduled for January 1, to December 1, and raise its rate to 1.6 percent.

For his part, Prime Minister Sebastian Lecorno said during the press conference that it is "the second largest increase in 20 years, and should not be taken lightly," stressing that it is "not just symbolic." He added that the increase was calculated so as not to lead to job losses.

While unions denounce the fact that minimum wages in some sectors remain below the legal minimum, Varando said that the increase will also give impetus to negotiations in these sectors.

Read also: France: The government announces a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage starting in December in response to social demands

He explained that the government asked representatives of the relevant sectors on Monday morning to begin negotiations starting next week to raise the minimum wage limits stipulated in the collective agreements, taking into account the new minimum.

The announcement came after a meeting held by French Prime Minister Sebastien Le Cornu on Monday morning with unions and employers to discuss wages and purchasing power.

The crisis began with the start of the school year in September, with a movement by secondary school students to protest the deterioration of public education. It was then joined by protests against the high cost of living and others against President Emmanuel Macron, who will leave the presidency in May after ten years in power.

France 24/AFP

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