High school students protesting teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and rundown schools have blockaded facilities and taken to the streets since mid-September, with demonstrations spreading nationwide and turning violent in places.
French authorities report over 5,000 arrests—mostly minors—hundreds injured, and damage costing tens of millions of euros, prompting 400 to 500 schools to close Monday for safety.
Police chief Patrice Faure called for peaceful action as fires, barricades, and clashes marked the unrest, while unions stress the push for better education funding amid tight budgets.
