Nicole Belloubet, the outgoing Minister of National Education, held a press conference on August 27, 2024, in Paris. She acknowledged the unique political context of the back-to-school season and defended her decision to speak out during this time. She discussed the ongoing reforms and outlined the projects she would have liked to pursue, using a rare level of freedom in her speech. Despite facing legitimacy concerns, she emphasized that the school system cannot wait and that the new school year is ready to begin, with 12 million students returning to school on September 2.
Some viewed Belloubet’s speech as a farewell address, while others saw it as a bid for her successor. She distanced herself from Gabriel Attal, with whom relations were not always smooth, and did not mention initiatives such as the uniform pilot program or the expansion of empathy courses, which had been proposed by her predecessor. Belloubet highlighted the need for collective efforts to bring about a sense of calm that she believes the education system deeply needs. This focus on fostering a peaceful environment seems to be the key point in her brief assessment of her seven-month tenure.
Belloubet also addressed the uncertain budget situation for 2025, following the distribution of budget constraints by the Prime Minister to all ministries. She expressed concerns about budget limitations that may not meet the full needs of the education sector, emphasizing the importance of protecting the education budget. However, sources close to Gabriel Attal stated that the 2025 budget for education is set to increase by nearly 900 million euros compared to the final 2024 budget. Despite these financial challenges, Belloubet listed the changes implemented at the start of the school year, emphasizing the need for ongoing reforms and improvements.
The 2024 back-to-school season was supposed to mark the implementation of the “shock of knowledge,” a series of measures announced in December 2023 by Gabriel Attal to enhance the academic performance of French students and address the mixed results in international student assessments. However, the frequent changes in leadership and the dissolution of the government led to a standstill in the reform process. The shifting political landscape has made it difficult to make progress on educational initiatives, as ministers have come and gone, leaving unfinished projects in their wake.
In her final remarks as Minister of National Education, Belloubet reflected on the challenges and achievements of her tenure and emphasized the importance of continuity and collaboration in moving forward with educational reforms. She highlighted the dedication of teachers and the resilience of students, noting the need for ongoing support and investment in the education system. Despite the uncertainty and political changes surrounding her departure, Belloubet remained optimistic about the future of education in France and hoped that her successor would continue to prioritize the well-being and academic success of all students.
