France to partly close up to 500 schools on Monday as student protests intensify

The protests have also been linked to concerns about inequalities within France’s education system and the quality of learning conditions available to students, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The unrest has disrupted hundreds of schools. Earlier reports indicated that at least 400 of France’s approximately 3,700 high schools were closed, while hundreds more experienced blockades or other disruptions.

Violence Escalates

Although the movement began over education-related concerns, several demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations between students and security forces.

Authorities have reported incidents involving fires, attacks on police officers and damage to school buildings.

In one incident in the southern town of La Ciotat, a 59-year-old teacher was allegedly doused with gasoline and assaulted during a protest. A 16-year-old was detained in connection with the incident.

In Belfort, eastern France, two teenagers were arrested after a police officer was reportedly attacked during clashes.

The incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of students, teachers and security personnel.

More than 5,000 people have been arrested since the protests began, with about 85 per cent of those detained reportedly being minors.

Government Blames Violent Groups

Geffray accused radical groups, particularly those associated with the far left, of infiltrating the student movement and turning some demonstrations violent.

“There are activists, particularly from the far-left, who have infiltrated the high school student movement,” he said, alleging that they had hijacked the movement and engaged in extreme violence.

He said the violence posed serious risks to students and education workers.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, however, said security forces were not targeting young people but were protecting students who wanted to express their demands peacefully.

Amnesty Raises Concerns Over Police Response

The government’s handling of the protests has also attracted criticism from rights groups.

Amnesty International’s France branch accused security forces of using disproportionate tactics and called for students to be allowed to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of excessive force.

The organisation raised concerns about the use of tear gas, batons and police detention, particularly given that many of the demonstrators are minors.

The government has maintained that police intervention is necessary to protect students, teachers and other members of the public from violent incidents.

Protests Set to Continue

Organisers have called for demonstrations to continue on Tuesday, arguing that the government has yet to introduce concrete measures to address students’ concerns.

The continued protests are putting additional pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government, which is already facing wider political and economic disputes, including opposition to its budget plans.

The government is expected to continue discussions with teachers’ unions, student organisations and parents’ representatives as it seeks to address the underlying concerns while restoring normal academic activities.

For now, the planned closure of up to 500 high schools highlights the scale of the disruption facing France’s education system, with authorities balancing students’ demands for improved learning conditions against growing concerns over violence and safety.