France Closes About 400 Schools as Student Protests Escalate
About 400 schools and other educational establishments are expected to remain closed across France on Friday as nationwide student protests over poor learning conditions and teacher shortages intensify. The protests, which began in the Paris region last week, have spread to cities across the country, with students blocking school entrances and clashing with police. Their complaints include long school hours, overcrowded classrooms, overheated facilities and a shortage of teachers. However, the demonstrations have increasingly been accompanied by violence, including fires, damage to public property and clashes with security forces. Officials said about 2,000 people had been arrested since the unrest began, with roughly two-thirds placed in police custody. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said more than 400 schools and other educational establishments would remain closed on Friday. He acknowledged students’ concerns but condemned the violence. At least 65 education staff members, including 40 high school principals, have been injured since the protests began, Geffray told BFMTV. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said authorities would seek to hold parents financially responsible for damage caused by their children during the protests. The government has urged parents to discourage their children from participating in violent demonstrations, while schools in some areas are switching to remote learning where protests have disrupted access. The unrest has also prompted authorities to increase security around schools as officials seek to restore normal classes while addressing students’ concerns over conditions in the education system. AFP