Leaders of chaotic French protests say government offered them deal, but they want more

French student leaders said the government offered education proposals on Monday, including capping class sizes and replacing a university admissions system, but vowed to continue protests as the measures fell short of their demands. Over 1,400 were arrested on Saturday. The unrest has boosted far-right candidate Marine Le Pen's poll ratings.

French student leaders said the government offered a package of education proposals on Monday in response to weeks of chaotic street protests, but vowed to keep demonstrating as the measures fell short of their demands. The proposals included capping the size of some classes, loans for renovating schools, and replacing a university admissions system they saw as unfair. There was no immediate confirmation from the government, and a press conference to announce details was delayed. The protests, initially triggered by student discontent, have shown little sign of easing after violence nine days ago engulfed dozens of cities. The movement has expanded, drawing in trade unions and yellow vest activists. Over 1,400 people were arrested during demonstrations on Saturday. The unrest has boosted the poll ratings of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, already the frontrunner in next year's presidential election. An opinion poll published Sunday put her on 32%-33.5%, well ahead of hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon on 17%. Business leaders said the unrest was continuing to inflict heavy economic damage, with sales falling by about 80%.