French Universities Mobilize Against Budget Cuts
University leaders call for nationwide action to protest significant budget reductions impacting operations and student services.
- University presidents, under the banner of France Universités, have organized a 'Universities in Danger' day of action on December 3 to highlight severe budgetary challenges.
- The 2025 budget includes a controversial 1% financial contribution from universities to a solidarity fund, exacerbating existing deficits in 60 of 75 institutions.
- Universities warn of drastic measures such as reduced admissions, program closures, hiring freezes, and campus shutdowns if no government action is taken.
- The French Ministry of Higher Education argues that universities' €2.5 billion in cumulative reserves can offset the cuts, but university leaders state these funds are already allocated for specific projects and cannot cover operational costs.
- Student organizations like the FAGE have joined the protest, citing rising poverty among students and the lack of progress on scholarship reforms as additional concerns.