Hundreds Of Schools Stay Closed In France Amid Raging Student Protests

A 15-year-old French student lost his hand on Monday during protests against dilapidated and understaffed schools. He picked up a police stun grenade in Lens, a northern town, leading to an investigation. As schools nationwide enter a second week of closures, about 400-500 high schools remain partially or fully closed, according to Education Minister Edouard Geffray.

Since demonstrations started at a Paris suburb high school, 24 schools have been damaged and 78 teaching staff injured. Protests have also led to clashes between police and students in Lille and tear gas deployment in Toulouse. France's 10-year bond yield reached over 5% last week, its highest since 2002. Police and firefighters quickly controlled a fire in central Paris where protesters attempted to break into a school.

Nationwide, around 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested, with dozens injured and property damage estimated at tens of millions of euros. Paris police chief Patrice Faure urged students to abandon blockades and engage in peaceful demonstrations, fearing further violence, especially in central Paris. Student unions called for a nationwide demonstration on Tuesday, with CGT union chief Sophie Binet stating their presence to protect high school students.