French high school students clashed with police on Friday as protests continued across the country. The unrest has forced the closure of nearly 400 schools. The protests began last week in the Paris region. They have since spread to cities across France. Students have blocked school entrances and held demonstrations over school conditions. Students have raised concerns about long school hours and poor conditions. They have also complained about overheated classrooms and staff shortages. Some demonstrations have become violent. Students have set fire to rubbish bins near school entrances. Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters in several locations.
In Paris, fires damaged the entrances of two high schools on Friday. The affected schools were Leonard de Vinci and Gaston-Bachelard. Firefighters responded to the blazes. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said nearly 400 high schools could close. France has around 3,700 high schools in total. Many schools have also prepared remote classes for students. Marseille is among the cities where remote learning has been planned. Officials are trying to limit disruption caused by the protests.
The government has acknowledged students’ concerns about school conditions. However, officials have condemned the violence surrounding some demonstrations. They have described some incidents as urban violence. Authorities also reported injuries linked to the protests. Geffray said at least 65 staff members had been injured. The figure included 40 high school principals. Around 170 students have also been wounded, according to the education minister. More than 100 high schools have reportedly suffered serious damage.
Police action has become another major issue for protesters. Students have accused officers of using excessive force. They say tear gas has caused injuries during demonstrations. The authorities have also increased arrests during the unrest. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said around 2,000 people had been taken into custody. He said about 90 percent were minors.
Darmanin also asked prosecutors to hold parents responsible for damage caused by their children. He said parents could face costs for repairs. The situation has created pressure on the government as protests continue. Officials have urged parents to prevent children from joining demonstrations. The unrest also comes months before France’s presidential election. The government has accused the hard-left France Unbowed party of supporting the movement. Party official Manuel Bompard rejected that accusation. Education officials are now seeking dialogue with students and unions. Geffray said he planned meetings with education unions and student associations. The talks aim to reduce tensions and address concerns.
The situation remains focused on school conditions and wider protests. Authorities are monitoring schools as demonstrations continue across France.
Earlier protests saw French teens blockade schools as unions called for a day of anger.