French Schools Close Amid Student Protest Violence

Around 500 French schools remain closed or partially open due to unrest linked to student protests. Demonstrations over education issues have turned violent in some cases, prompting authorities to deploy large police forces. Thousands of students and teachers are protesting against building maintenance backlogs, teacher shortages, and oversized classes. The protests began with high school blockades in the Paris region. While most demonstrations were peaceful, some involved fireworks, vandalism, and clashes with police. Over 5,000 people have been arrested, 85 percent of them minors. Education Minister Geffray accused left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon of fueling the anger, while Mélenchon called police violence disproportionate. Organizers distanced themselves from the violence, claiming outsiders are responsible. A woman in Marseille suffered serious burns from an attack by a masked teenager.