Protests shutter hundreds of French schools as violence flares

What the report says

Hundreds of schools across France were closed on Friday as a student protest movement escalated into clashes with police and reports of damage, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting based on AFP and Reuters. The Education Ministry said at least 400 of the country’s 3,700 high schools were shut, while 560 others reported protests or disruptions. The demonstrations began in the Paris area last week but spread nationwide, with students blockading schools, lighting fires and confronting officers over issues including large class sizes and too few teachers.

The unrest left people injured and prompted warnings from government officials. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said at least 170 students and 65 school staff members were wounded, and more than 100 high schools suffered severe damage. He urged parents to keep children away from the protests, saying students were in danger. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said roughly 2,000 people had been detained so far, most of them children, and suggested parents should pay for damage caused by their children.

Fire damaged entrances at two Paris high schools, and riot police were deployed in several cities, including Toulouse and Rennes. Amnesty International criticized the use of force against minors. The protests are unfolding alongside a wider public-sector strike over the government’s budget plans, adding pressure on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of next year’s elections. Geffray said he planned to meet unions and student groups to seek dialogue.