France to close up to 500 schools amid student protests

France will partially or completely close as many as 500 high schools on Monday as nationwide student protests over education conditions continue to disrupt schools and lead to clashes with police.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said between 400 and 500 schools would suspend some or all classes because security conditions were not considered adequate. He said 24 schools had been burned or seriously damaged since the protests began.

Thousands of students have taken part in demonstrations that started last week in Paris before spreading to cities including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille. Protesters have raised concerns about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school facilities.

The unrest has increasingly involved violence. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said on Friday that 735 of the country’s roughly 3,700 schools had been affected by the protests in some way.

Geffray said the number of schools affected on Monday could be similar to Friday’s figure. He nevertheless promised a gradual return to classroom teaching where security conditions allow.

The education minister also accused far-left activists of entering the student movement and contributing to violent incidents. He said 78 education workers had been injured during the unrest, describing the scale of injuries as unprecedented.

French authorities reported 1,747 arrests on Friday as police confronted protesters in several locations.

The demonstrations have been driven largely by demands for more teachers, improved school infrastructure and better learning conditions. Organisers have called for protests to continue on Tuesday, saying the government has failed to introduce sufficient concrete measures.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government was taking additional steps to address concerns raised by students and education workers. The measures include keeping classes running, improving school facilities, reorganising school schedules and making the university admissions system more transparent.