Arson, clashes and hundreds arrested: France closes hundreds of schools

A student protest in France, sparked by a shortage of teachers and neglected buildings, has escalated into arson and violent clashes with police. According to the Education Ministry, over 1,020 high schools have been affected by the protest, of which 222 were blocked. On Wednesday, 625 people were arrested and 83 police officers were injured. The minister is expected to meet with student representatives.

A widespread student protest in France, which began due to a severe shortage of teachers and neglected building conditions, has escalated into serious violence. On Thursday, fires were set in at least two high schools, fuel was sprayed on teachers in Marseille, and a car was set on fire in Strasbourg. According to Education Ministry data, more than 1,020 high schools have been affected by the protest, including 222 where blockades took place—more than a quarter of the country's high schools. The violence spread to other cities, including Toulouse and Nantes, where a fire damaged the entrance hall of the Nelson Mandela high school. On Wednesday alone, 625 people were arrested and 83 police officers were injured, according to the Interior Minister. Since the start of the protest, 119 people connected to the education system have been injured, including 34 staff members. The students demand filling vacant teaching positions, replacing absent teachers, increasing budgets, renovating buildings, and reducing workload. The Education Minister is expected to meet with representatives of students, parents, and labor unions.