French High Schools Face Disruptions as 400-500 Suspend Classes Monday

Between 400 and 500 French high schools are expected to suspend classes on Monday, October 5, Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced on Sunday, October 4, matching Friday's level of disruption amid ongoing student protests against the government. Geffray said closures occur when "security conditions are not met," either due to material reasons or because staff "have been directly targeted." He reported 78 education personnel injured and 24 establishments "burned or ransacked," blaming "ultra-left militants" for infiltrating the movement. The protest, which began September 17 in the Paris region, has spread nationwide over demands for more education funding, teacher replacements, and concerns about Parcoursup and school conditions. Friday saw over 1,700 arrests, with student groups calling for further action on Tuesday, October 6.