The Paris government now wants to submit the proposal to the approximately one hundred schools that will test the introduction of school uniforms starting this year, as anonymous government representatives confirmed to the AFP news agency.
Communities will be able to decide for themselves which school uniform they want to introduce. The French government now presents a uniform proposal. The newspaper “Le Figaro” first reported the proposal.
Nationwide introduction planned for 2026
The issue has been discussed in France for several months. The new Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also expressed support during his term as Minister of Education.
APA/AFP/Olivier Chassignole This is how students will be able to dress in the future
French President Emmanuel Macron announced at a major press conference on Tuesday that school uniforms would be tested in around a hundred schools this year. Uniforms could then be introduced across all sectors by 2026. “Uniform clothing can eliminate inequalities between families and increase respect,” Macron said.
Series of conservative measures for schools
A few days after the government reshuffle, Macron established the guidelines for the rest of his term with numerous conservative measures for a “strong France”. Macron spoke extensively about school politics, in particular at a press conference that lasted more than two hours on Tuesday night at the Élysée Palace, which was attended by more than 200 journalists and almost the entire government.
National rules on the use of screens, school uniforms, civic education and mandatory service to the nation – these are the themes that Macron will probably have appealed mainly to conservative voters. This is “civilian rearmament”, explained Macron. “France must continue to be France,” he also said, echoing a campaign slogan from right-wing extremist presidential candidate Eric Zemmour.
“Sensible use of screens”
If children and young people obtain their information exclusively through online services, then there is a risk of “growing up a whole generation of supporters of conspiracy theories”, warned Macron. Based on experts' recommendations, the government will establish rules for the “sensible use of screens” in the family and at school.
The President announced that civic education should be taught more in schools in the future, in order to introduce students to “the important texts of the Republic”. Participation in plays will be mandatory for high school students in the future. “It gives you self-confidence,” said Macron, who also did theater in his youth. He also thinks it makes sense for all elementary school students to learn the national anthem.
Service to the nation should soon be mandatory for young people, Macron said. “All generations should learn what the Republic means.” This mandatory service has been a recurring theme since Macron took office. However, a Senate committee determined that this would cost around two billion euros and would mean a huge logistical effort.