French student protests force closure of 400 high schools

She also complained that the lunch break was too short for all students to get food.

The protests have also involved incidents of arson and confrontations with police, resulting in injuries and arrests.

Students and education workers were injured.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said at least 170 students and 65 education workers, including 40 school principals, had been injured since the protests began.

More than 100 high schools have also suffered serious damage, according to the minister.

Geffray said the immediate priority was to protect students as the demonstrations became increasingly violent.

“What matters now is ensuring our children are no longer out on the streets, because they are in danger,” he said.

He urged parents to keep their children away from the blockades and protests.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said approximately 2,000 people had been detained so far, with the vast majority being children.

Government seeks dialogue

The government has announced further discussions with teachers’ unions, student organisations and parents’ representatives in an effort to address the concerns underlying the protests.

Geffray said he planned to meet education unions and student associations to create room for dialogue and seek ways of addressing the situation.

The unrest is occurring alongside broader public-sector protests over government budget plans, increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.

As the demonstrations continue, authorities face the challenge of addressing concerns over staffing, infrastructure and classroom conditions while restoring access to schools and preventing further violence.