Protests shutter hundreds of French schools as violence flares
Hundreds of high schools across France have been closed or disrupted due to student protests against large class sizes and teacher shortages. The movement has seen violent clashes with police, leading to hundreds of detentions and injuries.
Why it matters
Demonstrates growing social unrest in France and the political pressure on the Macron administration ahead of upcoming elections.
Education minister declares students ‘in danger’ as hundreds of injuries reported across the country amid clashes and fires.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Toggle Play What’s behind France’s school protests?
Hundreds of schools have been closed across France amid a student protest movement that has turned increasingly tumultuous.
At least 400 of France’s 3,700 high schools were closed on Friday, the Ministry of National Education said, with 560 reporting protests or disruptions. The demonstrations began at high schools in the Paris area last week, but they have spread nationwide and led to violent clashes with police.
On Friday, students across the country, many clad in masks, blockaded schools, lit fires in the streets, and faced off with police as they rallied against large class sizes and absent teachers .
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11 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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