Hundreds of French high schools shut as teen protests escalate

French high school students continued to protest against long school hours, inadequate conditions, and staff absences, causing the closure of approximately 400 establishments as of Friday. The unrest has spread nationwide from the Paris region, with students blocking school entrances and clashing with police. The Education Minister, Edouard Geffray, accused extreme fringe groups of holding the student movement hostage.

Over 65 staff members and 170 students were injured, while more than 100 high schools suffered severe damage. Parents have been urged to stop their children from attending protests, with Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin threatening to hold parents liable for damages caused by their children. Around 2,000 individuals, mostly minors, have been arrested since the movement began.

In Rennes, tensions were high outside the Jean-Mace high school, where students dressed in black and balaclavas confronted heavy police presence. Police used tear gas at the Kerichen high school in Brest. The protests have gained political attention as the hard-left France Unbowed party is suspected of instigating the movement, but the LFI denies these allegations.

The Education Minister met with education unions and student associations to seek common ground for dialogue.