Hundreds of French schools close after youth protests turn violent

Some 400 schools in France will remain closed on Friday following youth protests that started as education grievances and turned violent, officials said. The unrest escalated from teacher shortages and dilapidated facilities in Paris last month to widespread urban violence across the country, with dozens injured and hundreds arrested.

At least two schools in Paris were set ablaze, teachers were soaked with petrol in Marseille, and riot police clashed with youths in Toulouse. Education Minister Edouard Geffray confirmed that approximately 400 schools and educational establishments will be shut, attributing the closures to the violent protests. Hard-left politicians and local mayors have faced criticism for allegedly inciting the movement.

Intelligence agencies attributed the movement's origin to hard-left politicians, including members of La France Insoumise, though LFI politician Louis Boyard denied this. Police have faced accusations of heavy-handed tactics, including tear gas use. The government acknowledged the need to address school difficulties but condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of students' right to education.