Emmanuel Macron plans new curriculum, screen-time bans and compulsory school uniforms

In a rare prime-time news conference on Monday night, French President Emmanuel Macron struck a nationalistic tone, promising voters that he plans for "France to remain France" under his leadership. 

It was his first major conference of 2024 and many of the issues he touched upon during the two-and-a-half hour address, like school uniforms, a crackdown on immigration and gang violence, are topics that resonate with the conservative right.

The national address was the latest effort by Macron to reinvigorate his second term in office, which has been marred by unpopular immigration and pension reforms, and a shift in voters to the right.

Education reform front and center

Macron dedicated a lot of time to childrens' issues, telling reporters gathered at the Elysee Palace "our children will live better tomorrow, than we live today."

He promised education reform, which would include a bigger focus on civics to ensure cohesion in the nation. 

"Every generation must learn what the Republic means - a history, duties, rights, a language, respect… and they must learn it from childhood," he said.

He also announced that school uniforms would be trialed in about 100 schools and if successful, they could become compulsory in 2026. The government believes uniforms could reduce bullying and inequality, but teachers have said clothing is not the problem.

Boosting birth rates and screen-time bans

Macron vowed to address France's plunging birth rate, which last year hit its lowest level since World War II. He said parental leave will be overhauled, making it shorter, but better paid.  Access to fertility treatments would also be expanded.

"France will also be stronger through the revival of its birth rate," Macron said, "A new, better-paid birth leave will allow both parents to be present with their child for six months if they wish," he also declared.

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For families who already have children, Macron said he wanted to start regulating the amount of time children spend in front of TV, phone and computer screens. the government could start regulating the amount of time children spend in front of screens. He said he had already spoken to experts who advised him that "before a certain age, it's not reasonable to put a child in front of a screen."

He didn't say what age that is, or when or how any regulation could be enforced.

Aid for Ukraine 

Macron said he will travel to Ukraine in February to finalize a bilateral security agreement and that France will deliver roughly 40 long-range missiles and "several hundred bombs" to ensure Ukraine can continue to defend itself against Russia.  The delivery would come as efforts to restock Ukraine stall in the United States and the European Union.

"The most significant risk in my eyes is the Russian aggression war on Ukraine," he said. "We cannot let Russia win."

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