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France school protests: Hundreds of schools closed and 40 headteachers hurt
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Over 400 schools across France have been closed due to student protests over funding shortages, with classes shifting to remote learning.
- The unrest has resulted in injuries to 65 school staff members and significant damage to school facilities, according to Education Minister Édouard Geffray.
- Protests originated from concerns about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school infrastructure, with university students also joining demonstrations.
- The French interior ministry reported 1,949 arrests and 305 injured police officers amid clashes described as "urban violence."
- Demonstrations have impacted 1,027 lycées and at least 30 universities nationwide, including blockades at 222 lycées and major campuses in Rennes and Paris.
