France to close up to 500 schools on Monday over student protests

France is set to close up to 500 schools on Monday due to student protests, according to the country's education minister, Édouard Geffray. The closures, which could affect 400 to 500 high schools, come as security conditions have not been met, according to Geffray. Since the protests began last week, 24 schools have been burned or looted.

Thousands of students have demonstrated over issues such as education standards, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated buildings. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that 735 of the country's 3,700 schools have been affected by the violent protests in some manner. Geffray warned that the number of schools potentially affected on Monday could be similar to Friday's figure but promised a partial, gradual return to lessons.

He expressed concern over the involvement of activists, particularly from the far-left, who have allegedly infiltrated the student movement and engaged in extreme violence. Eighty staff members in education have been injured, a situation the minister described as unprecedented. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 1,747 people were arrested on Friday during the protests.

The student protests have called for continued demonstrations on Tuesday, accusing the government of lacking concrete measures to address their concerns. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced further steps the government is taking, including ensuring classes continue, improving facilities, organizing school days better, and making the French university admissions platform more transparent.

The government is also accelerating the review of its vandal-pay bill to ensure those responsible for damages pay for their actions.