Since Elodie and Clave's article <https://monde-libertaire.net/?articlen=8931> about the CROUS council meeting of April 14th, there's been some news... ---- On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, a CROUS Brittany Board of Directors meeting was held in Rennes once again. Since the CROUS student elections in early February, CROUS Brittany has attempted to increase rents in Breton university residences three times. On four occasions, students gathered in front of the locations where the council meetings were held, each time relocated. As if CROUS thought it could outmaneuver them... ---- Expanding the Call!
Following the joint call from SESL, UP, FSE, CSR Mirabeau, and LPL; But also the Popular Committee for Mutual Aid and Solidarity (CPES), the Communist Youth (Maoist), High School Revolt, the Muslim Students of France (EMF), as well as Solidaires 35 and the CGT Higher Education (CGT FERC SUP). Why such a broad appeal? It stems from the signing of a statement denouncing the repression suffered by FSE activists during a rally in support of a homeless international student, demanding housing from the CROUS (Regional Center for University and School Services). See here. This particular situation, coupled with the proposed exorbitant increase in tuition fees for international students, calls for unity, solidarity, and action!
Logos look nice, but they don't make a gathering...
Just like last time, about fifty people gathered in front of the DSDEN 35 (Departmental Directorate of National Education) to protest the CROUS (Regional Center for University and School Services) rent increases. The students were there, ready to prevent another closed-door meeting, chanting slogans under banners, waving flags, and prepared to break in and cancel the meeting.
But, plot twist, the CROUS had anticipated another intrusion (surprising, given how often they do it...) and had decided to call in the police for backup. About twenty fully equipped officers, lined up, were waiting for them in front of the DSDEN doors, blocking access to the meeting.
Police violence and higher rents...
The students, forced to stay outside, weren't deterred! Younger, more determined, and more revolutionary than ever, they used megaphones to chant their slogans directly into the cops' ears, taking advantage of an attempt to break through the barricade. Naturally, less amused than last time and less protected from the elements by their ear protection, the cops kicked the students and the megaphone away.
So the students ate their caps. The council meeting finally convened, and the vote on rents was ultimately passed. The breakdown of the votes is damning: 8 votes against; 11 votes for; 4 abstentions. A difference of just three votes... And it's all the more frustrating knowing that the 4 abstentions came from the elected staff representatives. Union members from FO and CFDT who should be living in a university dorm room to find their class consciousness.
There's no money, not even in the rectorate's coffers. The CROUS (Regional Center for Student Services) isn't going to make any so-called profits by siphoning off students' money with ever-shrinking rents and grants...
This is just the beginning, let's keep fighting! Students aren't finished yet; actions will continue on various issues. The next gathering is Tuesday, May 12th at noon, Place Hoche in downtown Rennes. Let's turn out in large numbers, not only as students but also in support of them and their organizations!
Buse and Elodie, La Sociale Group, Rennes
https://monde-libertaire.net/?articlen=8973
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Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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