PARIS: More than 400 schools across France have been shut amid student protests over poor school conditions, as the government warns that demonstrations have escalated into “urban violence”.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray said 65 education staff members had been injured and school facilities had suffered significant damage, forcing some classes to move online.
The protests began last week at lycées, which cater to students aged 15 to 18, before spreading to hundreds of schools nationwide. University students also joined demonstrations on Thursday.
According to the Interior Ministry, 1,027 lycées have been affected, with blockades reported at 222. At least 30 universities have also reportedly faced blockades, including campuses in Rennes and Paris.
Grievances
Students are protesting teacher and staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms, a lack of chairs and deteriorating school buildings. Teachers have backed many of their concerns, with Geffray acknowledging that some demands were “legitimate”.
However, the demonstrations have also been marred by violence. Images from Thursday showed fires at schools in Nantes and Rouen, while students in Paris were photographed holding placards and lighting flares.
The reported injuries include 40 headteachers among the education staff affected. Police have also been injured while responding to the unrest.
Political Pressure
The Interior Ministry reported 1,949 arrests and 305 police officers injured. Teenagers have also sustained injuries, including eye injuries and broken teeth, while a teacher in Angers was seriously hurt after being struck on the head with an iron bar, according to reports.
The government now faces the challenge of addressing students’ concerns while curbing further violence. The unrest has also taken on a political dimension, with France’s presidential election approaching.
