French high school protests spread nationwide, injuring 40 principals

French high school protests continued Friday with 735 schools affected, down 30% from the previous day, as violence persists. At least three people were injured and over 1,700 detained, with 40 principals among 65 school staff hurt since protests began. The mobilization started September 21 in Créteil and spread nationwide, with students demanding smaller classes, more teachers, better facilities, and lighter schedules. Nearly 400 schools remained closed, and damage costs have reached 7 million euros, including a fire destroying a Nantes school entrance. Education Minister Édouard Geffray called initial demands legitimate but condemned the violence, blaming far-left groups for infiltrating protests. Student representatives rejected the government's response as lacking concrete measures and announced a national strike Tuesday, urging peaceful demonstrations.