The French school system has not given up, insists Luc Chatel, the education minister.

ECONOMIST: Six years on, the banlieues are still a world apart

Luc Chatel, the education minister, has begun to make some changes.

ECONOMIST: French education

Amanda Chatel is a writer based in New York City.

FORBES: How I Walked Out On My Job And Why I Don't Regret It

Amanda Chatel is a freelance writer in New York City.

FORBES: From Office Manager to Freelance Writer: How I Built My Career

Muhyiddin had earlier met French National Education Minister Luc Chatel.

UNESCO: Malaysia trust fund

Spokesman Luc Chatel has said it was "nothing ostentatious".

BBC: Sarkozy makes first trip on controversial new jet