Lecornu faces decisive week of talks with unions, students, and public workers

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu begins a week of high-stakes negotiations Monday, meeting social partners and students amid ongoing protests. The outcome could determine whether the social movement persists and impacts the upcoming presidential election. Lecornu will host a "social conference" with employers and unions Monday morning at Matignon, followed by a Parcoursup reform committee meeting with student representatives. Public sector workers, prominent in demonstrations, are scheduled to meet the prime minister on Friday, November 13. The protests, sparked by student blockades two months ago, appear entrenched. Saturday's fourth mobilization drew 146,000 people nationwide, a decline from Thursday but enough, demonstrators say, to maintain pressure on the government.