France Shuts Hundreds of Schools Amid Student Protests

Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced that up to 500 schools across France will be closed—either fully or partially—on Monday as a result of a surge in student protests. The closures affect roughly 400‑500 high schools, with security conditions deemed insufficient for safe operation. Since the movement began, 24 schools have been burned or ransacked. Geffray described the shutdowns as a security precaution aimed at protecting students, staff, and property while authorities assess the situation. The widespread school closures underscore the intensity of the unrest and the challenges faced by the French education system.