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French school closures spread as student protests turn violent

independent.co.uk — October 4, 2026 at 04:01 PM UTC

Hundreds of French schools will remain closed Monday as student protests over classroom conditions turn violent, with the Paris police chief declaring the movement "out of control" and up to 500 schools affected. Riot police clashed with students Friday, unions called for teacher strikes, and the education minister reported 24 schools burned or ransacked. Around 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested, with over 600 police officers and numerous students and staff injured. The protests began in mid-September over inequality in disadvantaged areas, spreading nationwide. Demonstrators cite poor facilities, high costs, and long hours, while far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has backed the movement amid accusations of political manipulation.

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[3.0]

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[3.0]

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[3.0]

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[2.9]

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[2.8]

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[2.8]

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[2.5]

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[1.8]

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[1.7]

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[1.7]

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[1.7]

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[1.7]

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[1.7]

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[1.6]

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[1.5]

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[1.5]

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[1.5]

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[1.5]

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[1.5]

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[1.4]

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[1.4]

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[1.3]

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[1.3]

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[1.2]

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[1.1]

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[1.1]

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[0.8]

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