France Closes Up to 500 Schools Amid Escalating Student Protests

Up to 500 educational institutions across France are set to remain closed or operate partially on Monday following days of violent demonstrations by high school students, according to Education Minister Édouard Geffray. Speaking on Sunday, Geffray stated that security conditions had not been met to ensure safe return-to-class operations.

The protests, which began last week in Paris and rapidly expanded to cities including Marseille, Nantes, and Montpellier, stem from student grievances regarding severe teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school infrastructure. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed on Friday that 735 of the nation’s 3,700 schools had been impacted by the unrest in some capacity.

Tensions have resulted in significant property damage, with Geffray confirming that at least 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the demonstrations began. The ministry also reported that 78 education staff members have been injured, a figure Geffray described as unprecedented. On Friday alone, 1,747 individuals were arrested, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Geffray accused far-left activists of infiltrating the student movement and hijacking the cause through extreme violence, posing a direct threat to both educators and pupils. Despite the disruptions, he promised a “partial, progressive return to lessons” once safety could be guaranteed.

Protest organizers have announced plans to continue demonstrations on Tuesday, alleging that the government has failed to provide concrete measures to address their concerns. In response, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Sunday that the administration is taking further steps to support high school students and educational staff.

Lecornu outlined plans to maintain class continuity, upgrade facilities, reorganize school schedules, and increase transparency within the university admissions system. Additionally, the government is accelerating its review of the “vandal-pays” legislation, which would require individuals responsible for property damage to cover the costs of restitution.