France school protests: Hundreds of schools closed and 40 head teachers hurt - BBC
Hundreds of secondary schools in France are facing disruptions due to student protests over overcrowded classrooms and poor facilities. The government has blamed radical political groups for the unrest, while students and unions continue to demand systemic improvements.
Why it matters
The protests highlight growing social unrest in France regarding public service quality and the potential for political polarization among the youth.
The scene in Finistere in Brittany on Friday
More than 500 of France's 3,700 secondary schools faced disruption on Friday, as young people across the country protested over school conditions.
"We are angry," one student in Paris told the BBC , adding that it's "not normal" that there are 40 students in one classroom at a time.
Overcrowded classrooms, unsanitary facilities, and a shortage of teachers is the current state of education in France, youth centre director Laëtitia Degeuse says .
Elsewhere, there are concerns that the protests have been hijacked by external casseurs (vandals), as our Europe digital editor notes.
It appears that the protests are far from over, as France's biggest trade unions have called for members to join a protest on 6 October.
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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