Hundreds of French Schools Shut as Student Protests Turn Violent

Violent demonstrations by French high school students spread across the country on Friday, leading to the closure or disruption of education at more than 560 schools. The unrest, which originated in the Paris region last week, has seen teenagers blocking school entrances and engaging in firefights with law enforcement.

Students cite excessively long school hours, inadequate facilities such as overheated classrooms and dilapidated buildings, and chronic staff shortages as primary grievances. In central Paris, 15-year-old Simon, who requested anonymity, described a lack of science teachers and textbooks for an entire year. “And still, we’re the lucky ones. It’s even worse in the suburbs,” he said.

While the government acknowledges the legitimacy of student complaints, officials have condemned the actions as “urban violence.” Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that the movement is being “held hostage by ultra-violent fringe groups.” The Ministry of Education reported that education was disrupted at more than 560 of the nation’s 3,700 high schools, with the Interior Ministry noting that over 1,000 schools were affected on Thursday alone. Many institutions, particularly in Marseille, have shifted to remote learning.

The conflict has resulted in significant injuries and property damage. Geffray reported to BFMTV that at least 65 staff members, including 40 principals, have been hurt, while approximately 170 students have been wounded. Over 100 high schools have suffered severe damage. In Paris, fire crews were dispatched to extinguish blazes at the entrances of two high schools.

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that prosecutors have been instructed to hold parents financially liable for any repair costs resulting from damage caused by their children. He revealed that roughly 2,000 individuals have been taken into custody since the protests began, 90% of whom are minors. “Parents must clearly step up and tell their children not to go” to the demonstrations, Darmanin urged, emphasizing the danger students face on the streets.

Protesters, however, accuse police of excessive force, citing the frequent use of tear gas. In Rennes, 16-year-old Lola expressed frustration after her school was closed for the day. “As far as we’re concerned, we’ve won — our school is closed this morning,” she said, adding that police violence only intensifies their anger.

The unrest carries political weight just over six months before presidential elections. The government has accused the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, led by presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, of orchestrating the movement. LFI official Manuel Bompard dismissed these allegations as “conspiracy theories.”