Student Protests Force Closure of 500 French Schools

Student protests over deteriorating school conditions, funding gaps, and high teacher absenteeism have escalated into a nationwide crisis, forcing the closure of 400 to 500 schools. The movement began at a Paris school on September 17 and spread to cities including Strasbourg, Marseille, and Rennes, where clashes between youths and security forces resulted in more than 5,000 arrests. Government data indicates that 85% of those detained are minors.

Sébastien Lecornu, the Prime Minister of France, responded by establishing a timetable for local authorities to fill teacher vacancies and scheduling meetings to address building renovations. This unrest occurs as the government of President Emmanuel Macron attempts to implement 54 billion euros in savings to reduce public debt.

Conflict persists over the nature of the violence. Students report injuries from tear gas and rubber bullets, and Amnesty International France has criticized the government for disproportionate police force. Conversely, Education Minister Édouard Geffray claims far-left infiltrators have hijacked the movement, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has rejected allegations of police brutality. Violence has extended beyond protests, including an attack in La Ciotat where a teacher was doused with gasoline.