French schools face closures as student protests spread

Between 400 and 500 schools in France may suspend classes on Monday, October 5, amid ongoing high school student protests, according to Education Minister Édouard Geffray. A similar number of schools were closed on Friday, October 2, with some gradually reopening based on security conditions. Geffray said closures occur when safety cannot be guaranteed or staff are attacked, noting 78 education workers have been injured. Protests and school blockades began September 17 in the Île-de-France region and spread nationwide. Students demand increased funding and staffing, citing teacher shortages, poor building conditions, and overcrowded schedules. Police have detained over 1,700 people, bringing the total to about 5,000. Student organizations plan a major protest on October 6, saying they saw no concrete measures after meeting the minister. Last week, 24 schools were set on fire or damaged.