French high school closures: 400-500 shut Monday, minister says

Between 400 and 500 French high schools will be partially or fully closed Monday due to security concerns, Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced Sunday, as student unions call for further protests Tuesday. Geffray stated closures occur when safety conditions are unmet, citing material damage or staff being targeted. At least 24 schools were burned or ransacked, and 78 education staff were injured. Police have arrested over 5,000 people, with 85% being minors. The protests, which began mid-September, demand better school conditions and more funding, while criticizing Parcoursup. The minister accused far-left militants of infiltrating the movement, and some demonstrations featured antisemitic and anti-police chants.