School protests in France: hundreds of schools closed and 40 principals injured

Image source, Reuters

More than 400 schools across France have been closed as the French government says student protests have escalated into “urban violence”.

Sixty-five staff members were injured in the unrest and “significant damage” was caused to school facilities, with classes now taking place remotely, French Education Minister Édouard Geffray said.

Student protests broke out over a lack of teachers and staff, overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated buildings. University students also took part in the protests on Thursday. The French Interior Ministry says 1,949 people were arrested and 305 police officers injured.

The blockades and protests in French high schools – aimed at students aged 15 to 18 – began last week before spreading to hundreds of schools across the country.

So far, 1,027 high schools have been affected by protests, with blockades in 222 of them, according to the Interior Ministry.

At least 30 universities were also reportedly blocked, including campuses in Rennes and Paris.

We’ll be following developments throughout the day – stay with us.