Hundreds of High Schools Remain Shut as Student Protests Continue in France

Hundreds of high schools remain closed in France due to student protests

October 5

Student protests against deteriorating school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of teachers continue to intensify, and as of October 5, hundreds of high schools remain closed.

With a nationwide show of force protest planned for October 6, the situation is expected to become more tense.

According to Education Minister Edouard Geffray, of the 3,700 high schools across the country, between 400 and 500 were either fully or partially closed on October 5.

During these protests, which began in late September in the Paris suburbs, 24 schools were set on fire and destroyed, 78 staff members were injured, and since September 28, nearly 5,000 people, including many young people, have been detained.

These protests are putting pressure on the French government, which is trying to reduce the budget deficit, and last week the country's 10-year treasury bond interest rate rose above 5 percent, the highest since 2002.

The government is trying to regain control of the situation, and the Paris police have also urged an end to road-blocking protests and for demonstrations to be held peacefully.

Security authorities are concerned that far-left groups may infiltrate and take control of the protests planned for October 6, but Sophie Binet, leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), has confirmed that union members will accompany and protect the students.

Ref & Photo: The Reuters

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