Up to 500 French schools shut amid student protests

Up to 500 high schools across France shut classes on Monday (October 5) amid student protests over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school facilities, as the unrest spread to several cities.

The protests, which began last week, have spread from Paris to Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille. Education Minister Édouard Geffray said 400 to 500 high schools would remain partially or completely closed on Monday because of security concerns.

At least 24 schools have been set on fire or vandalised since the protests began, while 78 education workers have been injured, according to Geffray. He said the violence had put the safety of students and school staff at risk.

The unrest has also led to mass arrests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 1,747 people were arrested on Friday, while AFP reported that more than 5,000 people had been arrested since the protests began, around 85% of them minors.