400 French Schools Shut as Protests Turn Violent
Around 400 schools across France remained closed on Friday as student protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school infrastructure escalated into violence in several cities.
Around 400 French Schools Closed Amid Protests
The demonstrations began in the Paris region before spreading nationwide, with students demanding more teachers, better facilities and improvements to school conditions.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray said more than 400 schools would remain closed on October 2, with remote learning introduced where possible. Authorities said some buildings could not reopen because fire-safety systems had been damaged or staff had been directly targeted.
University students have also joined parts of the movement, expanding demonstrations beyond secondary schools.
Nearly 2,000 Arrested as Violence Escalates
French authorities said 1,949 people were arrested on Thursday as clashes intensified around schools and city centres.
Incidents included fires, vandalism, attacks on school property and confrontations with riot police. At least 65 education staff members and 170 students have been injured since the protests began.
Several school principals have also reported being assaulted or harassed during blockades.
French Government Holds Crisis Talks
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an emergency interministerial meeting as the government described the unrest as having shifted from student mobilisation towards broader urban violence.
Authorities have banned demonstrations around schools that remain closed and increased security deployments in affected areas.
The government has also withdrawn proposed new registration fees for some non-scholarship students in higher education, while the Education Ministry has opened talks with student, parent and staff organisations.
