Up to 500 Schools in France Close Amid Student Protests

Classes will be partially or fully suspended in nearly 500 schools across France on Monday as a result of widespread protests led by high school and university students, French Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced.

The demonstration movement began last week in Paris before swiftly spreading to other major cities, including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille. Students are protesting against declining educational standards, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school infrastructure.

Clashes between protesters and riot police have intensified in recent days. The Education Minister noted that learning activities will be halted in 400 to 500 high schools due to compromised security conditions. Furthermore, 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the outbreak of the movement, with 78 education staff members reported injured.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin stated that 735 out of the nation’s 3,700 high schools have been affected in various ways by the unrest. According to the Interior Ministry, 1,747 individuals were detained in a single day, while news agency AFP reports that over 5,000 people have been arrested since the start of the demonstrations - approximately 85% of whom are minors.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray pointed out that radical activists, particularly from far-left groups, have infiltrated the peaceful student movement and escalated it into extreme violence.

Government officials assure that the situation is being brought under control, promising a progressive and partial return to regular classes.