French student protests spread as hundreds of high schools shut

Paris, October 2 — French high school students continued their protest movement on Friday, as the closure of approximately 400 establishments showed no signs of ceasing. Originating in the Paris region last week and rapidly spreading nationwide, the students are protesting long school hours, inadequate conditions, and staff absences. The government acknowledges the legitimacy of the students' grievances but condemns the "urban violence" involved.

At least 65 staff members have been injured, including 40 high school principals, and over 100 high schools have suffered severe damage. Parents are urged to stop their children from participating in the protests, as they are deemed dangerous. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has asked prosecutors to hold parents accountable for their children's actions and compensate for damages.

Tensions were evident outside the Jean-Mace high school in Rennes, where students dressed in black and balaclavas stood near a heavy police presence. Lola, a 16-year-old student, said they felt they had won as their school was closed that morning and condemned police violence. Police used tear gas at the Kerichen high school in Brest.

The government accuses the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) of inciting the movement, but LFI official Manuel Bompard rejects these accusations as conspiracy theories. Education Minister Edouard Geffray met with education unions and student associations to seek common ground for dialogue.