Brief
French high schools shut as student protests spark fires and clashes
Over 560 schools were disrupted as pupils lit barriers, police used tear gas and dozens of staff and students were injured.
By Felo News Desk · Published
French high school students set fires outside schools and confronted police on Friday, prompting the closure or disruption of more than 560 establishments, CBS News reported.
What happened
The unrest began last week in the Paris region and quickly spread nationwide. Students blocked school entrances, ignited barriers and set fires that damaged the entrances of two high schools in Paris. Police responded with tear‑gas canisters, and fire brigades were called to extinguish the blazes. By Friday, education officials said the movement had affected over 560 of the country's 3,700 high schools, while the interior ministry reported more than 1,000 schools were impacted the previous day.
What the reports add
CBS News noted that at least 65 staff members, including 40 principals, have been injured, and about 170 students have been wounded. The outlet also quoted Education Minister Édouard Geffray, who said the protests were being “held hostage by ultra‑violent fringe groups.” Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin was reported to have asked prosecutors to hold parents accountable for their children’s participation.
What was said
"For a whole year, we didn't have a science teacher. We don't have any textbooks," said Simon, a 15‑year‑old student at Turgot high school, as reported by CBS News. Education Minister Geffray told BFMTV that the movement was being hijacked by violent fringe elements. Justice Minister Darmanin said parents must intervene and keep children off the streets.
How it came about
Students say long school hours, overheated classrooms, dilapidated buildings and frequent staff absences have driven the protests. Earlier Felo coverage linked the current unrest to earlier clashes in Marseille, Nantes and Strasbourg, where headteachers were attacked with petrol and dozens of arrests were made.
Key facts
- More than 560 high schools disrupted across France (cbsnews.com)
- At least 65 staff members injured, including 40 principals (cbsnews.com)
- Around 170 students wounded (cbsnews.com)
- Education Minister Édouard Geffray said protests are held hostage by ultra‑violent fringe groups (cbsnews.com)
- Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin called for parents to keep children off the streets (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “France student protests spread from Paris, with violent clashes forcing hundreds of high schools to close”
