Several hundred secondary schools across France were shut completely or partially on Monday due to ongoing nationwide student protests over poor school conditions and related security concerns, according to Education Minister Edouard Geffray.
The demonstrations, which began on September 17 at a Paris school, have escalated into some instances of violence, prompting precautionary closures ahead of planned further protests.
Scale and Reasons for School Closures
Education Minister Geffray announced that about 400 to 500 lycees (upper secondary schools) were closed or operating with partial lesson suspensions, as security requirements had not been met. This number mirrors closures from the previous Friday, with officials aiming for a gradual return to classes.
He cited 24 schools having been burned or ransacked and 78 education staff injured since protests started, attributing some violence to far-left activists who infiltrated the student movement. Valerie Pecresse, the Ile-de-France regional president around Paris, confirmed over a third of the 468 regional schools were closed Monday.
Student Grievances and Government Response
Protesting students are demanding improvements in school infrastructure, addressing long school days, teacher absenteeism, and the lack of air conditioning amid extreme heat. Organizers have called for continuation of protests, criticizing the government for not offering concrete solutions.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has urged local authorities to prioritize addressing long-term absences and fill vacant teaching posts. He also planned a Tuesday meeting with regional leaders to discuss renovating deteriorated school facilities.
Violence and Security Measures During Protests
The protests have seen several violent episodes, including security forces using tear gas and batons. Since the protests began, over 5,000 arrests were made, with 85% involving minors. Incidents include a 16-year-old detained for assaulting a teacher and footage of aggression against police officers.
Amnesty International’s French branch criticized police responses as disproportionate, though Interior Minister Laurent Nunez defended security personnel, emphasizing their role in protecting peaceful protesters.
