France Phases Out Unpopular University Admissions System by 2028, but Student Protests Continue

The French government has pledged to eliminate the controversial university admissions platform by 2028, a move aimed at quelling months of student unrest. The system, which ranks applicants and has been criticized for favoring privileged students, will be gradually dismantled under the new timeline. Student unions and protest groups, however, argue the concession falls short, demanding immediate action and broader reforms to higher education access. The announcement comes after nationwide demonstrations that have disrupted campuses and drawn attention to inequality in France's elite institutions. While officials hope the phase-out will ease tensions, organizers say protests will continue until concrete changes are implemented. The standoff highlights deep divisions over meritocracy and social mobility in French society, with both sides bracing for further negotiations. The coming weeks will test whether the government's timeline can satisfy a movement that has shown little patience for gradual measures.