Protests in France: School week to open, 500 schools to remain closed

The school week in France opens with heavy concern, as 400 to 500 high schools remain closed amid the riots. The government accuses the far-left of fueling the violence, while organizers reject the claims and call for continued protests. Over 5,000 people have been arrested, 85% of them minors.

France opens the school week with heavy concern, as 400 to 500 high schools remain fully or partially closed amid the riots that shook the country last week. The French government pointed a finger at the far-left, the party of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, claiming its members fueled the riots. Education Minister Édouard Geffray said that infiltrators from the far-left took over the protest and engaged in "extreme violence," posing a direct risk to staff and students. According to him, 78 educational staff members have been injured since the start of the events, and 24 schools were set on fire or looted. The partial shutdown serves as a security precaution ahead of large-scale protests announced for Tuesday. Organizers of the disruptions reject the claims and call for continued protests, arguing that the government has not yet taken concrete steps. High school students claim that the quality of education is harmed due to teacher absences, long school days, and poor infrastructure. Over 5,000 people have been arrested since the start of the protests, 85% of them minors. A 16-year-old boy was detained for questioning on suspicion of attacking a 59-year-old teacher in the city of La Ciotat, after he was beaten and had gasoline poured on him. Last week, a group of young people was documented beating and kicking a police officer in the city of Belfort.