Hundreds of schools across France are facing total or partial closures as authorities brace for a second week of student protests. Education minister Édouard Geffray stated that 400 to 500 schools will have lessons suspended on Monday and Tuesday because security conditions have not been fulfilled. President Emmanuel Macron’s government is currently battling to contain these demonstrations.
High school students are protesting to demand better learning conditions, including the hiring of substitute teachers and increased resources. Protesters have highlighted issues such as overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated school buildings, noting that schools in poor neighborhoods face the worst conditions.
The unrest has led to significant violence and disruption. Minister Geffray reported that 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the movement began. Additionally, 78 education staff members have been injured and approximately 5,000 people have been arrested as students blockade schools in cities across the country.