Hundreds of high schools across France remained fully or partially closed on Monday as a massive youth protest movement entered its third week. The movement, which began in late September at a high school in a Paris suburb over teacher shortages, has since spread nationwide, affecting more than 1,200 high schools. Education Minister Édouard Geffray stated that up to 500 schools were expected to close on Monday as students continued to blockade buildings.
Students are protesting a chronic lack of funding for state schools, citing high teacher absence rates, overlong school days, and dilapidated facilities. The demonstrators are demanding that the government address critical issues, including organizing replacement teachers and upgrading classroom facilities. There are also accusations that state resources are unfairly distributed, with richer and whiter postcodes historically receiving the majority of funds, leaving schools in less economically affluent areas disadvantaged.
The protests have involved clashes between students and riot police, resulting in more than 5,000 arrests, most of whom are minors. In the northern town of Lens, a 15-year-old student had his hand blown off after picking up a grenade fired by riot police. This incident occurred on the eve of a planned national demonstration by the pupils' union against overcrowding and underfunding.
In response, the Prime Minister has ordered ministers to tackle five major demands, including school repairs and the organization of replacement teachers. However, the government has also promised a bill to dock family benefits over damage. The strength of the student-led movement will be further tested on Tuesday, as teacher unions join the planned nationwide protests.