Up to 500 high schools across France are set to close fully or partially as violent student protests continue to disrupt the education system and raise concerns about safety. The decision, announced by Education Minister Édouard Geffray on Sunday, comes amid a nationwide upheaval that began in mid-September in Creteil, a suburb southeast of Paris, and has since spread to smaller towns and other major cities.
The protests originated over grievances related to poor teaching standards, teacher shortages, dilapidated school facilities, and long school hours, particularly affecting students from low-income neighborhoods. Demonstrators have decried conditions such as overcrowded classrooms, broken infrastructure, insufficient heating or air-conditioning, and excessive daily schedules that can extend from 8 a.m. until early evening. Videos shared on social media platforms like TikTok have circulated widely, showing scenes of burning trash bins, blockades, and confrontations between students and police.
Since the protests began on September 17 at the Saint-Exupery high school, demonstrations have escalated in intensity and geographic scope. According to government figures, over 5,000 arrests have been made, with around 85 percent of those detained being minors. Schools have faced significant damage, with Education Minister Geffray reporting 24 institutions burned or ransacked and estimated property damage reaching approximately €30 million. More than 170 students and 65 staff members have reportedly been injured, alongside over 600 police officers.
The government has condemned the violence, accusing far-left activists—particularly members of the France Unbowed (La France Insoumise) party—of infiltrating and escalating the movement. Minister Geffray characterized some acts as targeted attacks against education staff, with over 70 school employees wounded. In response, ministers have proposed expedited legislation to hold rioters financially accountable for damages, with fines capped at €10,000.
Meanwhile, France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, a presidential candidate polling strongly among young voters, has expressed support for the protests but urged non-violent methods. Party officials have rejected government claims that they are orchestrating the unrest, dismissing such accusations as conspiratorial. Melenchon has called on supporters to shield students from police actions.
On the ground, the clashes have been marked by escalating violence on both sides. Police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse demonstrators, leading to allegations of excessive force and viral footage showing confrontations between officers and minors. Conversely, security personnel have also been attacked; in one case, a police officer suffered serious injuries after being assaulted by a group of youths in the eastern city of Belfort. Similarly, some teachers and medical staff have been targeted, including incidents in the Marseille region where students allegedly attempted to set a teacher and an assistant nurse on fire.
The protests have heightened political tensions in France just over six months before the presidential elections. Authorities aim to curb further unrest through the school closures and enhanced legal measures, hoping to restore order and safeguard staff and students. However, with major unions planning to join the demonstrations and a significant day of protest scheduled, the situation remains volatile as the government balances addressing legitimate student concerns with maintaining public order.