France Closes 500 Schools as Student Protests Spread Nationwide

French Education Minister Edouard Geffray said up to 500 schools nationwide will be fully or partially closed tomorrow due to a wave of student protests sweeping the country. Geffray stated that 400 to 500 high schools will suspend classes "fully or partially" because "safety conditions are not met," and noted 24 schools have been "burned or ransacked" since the movement began. The closures are precautionary ahead of a mass protest called for October 6. The movement, which began September 17 in Paris, has expanded nationwide over grievances including teacher shortages, long class hours, and aging facilities. Over 5,000 people have been arrested, 85% of them minors, and 78 education staff have been injured. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced a timetable to address staffing and building issues.