French school closures continue as student protests over learning conditions spread

Nearly 500 French high schools were closed or disrupted Monday as students protested poor learning conditions, ahead of wider demonstrations planned for Tuesday. The education ministry reported 413 of 3,700 secondary schools affected, down from 564 on Friday, attributing the drop to dialogue. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu proposed measures including AI-generated timetables and priority handling of staff shortages, with a cost review due by month's end. The protests began September 17 over conditions at a Creteil school. At least 600 officers and 78 teachers have been injured, with 5,000 arrests, mostly minors. Principals cite reform-related bureaucracy, while unions and left-wing parties urge broader support for Tuesday's action.