Fioraso faces far-left backlash over reform bill

A group within France’s Socialist Party is seeking to stir up opposition to research and higher education minister Geneviève Fioraso’s reform plans.

The group is circulating a text, which has been reproduced by Libération, among others, warning that members are disappointed with the higher education and research bill that is making its way through parliament.

The group says that it tried hard to produce a credible alternative to the reforms set in motion under Nicolas Sarkozy by working for Socialist candidates ahead of the election, and on advisory panels, to set the direction of the party’s higher education policy. However, its members are disappointed by the law that has ultimately been produced.