Bildung: Knapp 2000 Festnahmen bei Schulprotesten in Frankreich

In France, nearly 2000 arrests were made during school protests, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of the Interior. The majority of these arrests were due to alleged violence, often against law enforcement personnel. Police and gendarmes sustained 305 injuries during the unrest. On Friday, over 400 schools were reportedly closed due to the protest, with many offering only remote learning, said Education Minister Édouard Geffray.

He stated that since the protests began, 170 students and 65 individuals from the education sector have been injured. Students have been protesting for better funding, complaining about dilapidated school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of teachers. The grievances in some Gymnasiums also extend to the platform for university admissions.

While many students engage in peaceful demonstrations, there have been frequent outbreaks of violence, with trash cans being set on fire, law enforcement personnel being attacked, and school buildings damaged. Public transportation was disrupted in several cities due to the protests, and a fire truck was set ablaze in Marseille.

The Interior Ministry expressed disappointment, stating that the situation bears no resemblance to the legitimate expression of demands but rather exhibits the characteristics of urban unrest.