France rocked by protests as nearly 400 schools close amid student-police clashes

French high school students have faced off with police and caused fires outside schools as protests over conditions in their establishments continue to spread across the country. The movement, which began last week in Paris and quickly gained momentum nationwide, has seen teenagers block school entrances and engage in clashes with law enforcement.

Students claim that their classes are excessively long, classrooms are inadequately heated, and teachers frequently miss work. The government acknowledges the legitimacy of their grievances but has condemned the accompanying urban violence. Police have been accused of using excessive force, including firing tear gas, leading to injuries among both students and staff.

In Paris, fires damaged the entrances of two high schools, Leonard de Vinci and Gaston-Bachelard, prompting the fire brigade to respond. Education Minister Edouard Geffray blamed the movement on violent fringe groups, noting that nearly 400 out of the 3,700 high schools in France were expected to close on Friday. Many schools have shifted to remote learning, especially in Marseille. At least 65 staff members and 170 students have been injured, while over 100 schools have suffered severe damage.

Parents are urged to stop their children from participating in the protests, according to Geffray. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has called on prosecutors to hold parents accountable for any damage caused by their children during the demonstrations and to cover repair costs. Since the protests began, approximately 2,000 individuals have been detained by police, with 90% of them being minors.

In Rennes, students were seen outside a high school dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, expressing anger towards what they deemed police violence. The protests have gained significant political attention, especially as the election approaches less than half a year away. The government has accused the hard left France Unbowed party, led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, of being behind the movement.