French education crisis deepens with nationwide student protests

Paris: Hundreds of French high schools are set to remain fully or partly closed ahead of a nationwide day of student protests over poor school conditions and teacher shortages.

Between 400 and 500 high schools are expected to remain completely or partially closed on October 5. The figure represents part of France’s 3,700 high schools. Edouard Geffray, Education Minister provided the estimate on October4.

The protests began in late September at a high school in a Paris suburb. The initial demonstrations focused on teacher shortages before spreading to schools across the country. Students also raised concerns over deteriorating school buildings, overcrowded classrooms and a lack of teachers.

The unrest comes at a difficult time for the French government. Authorities are preparing to pass a 2027 budget aimed at narrowing the country’s deficit. France’s 10-year bond yield briefly moved above 5 percent last week. That marked its highest level since 2002 and added to investor concerns over the country’s fiscal outlook.

Geffray noted that 24 schools was burned or ransacked since the protests began. A total of 78 employees within the national education system had also been injured during the demonstrations.

Around 5,000 people was arrested nationwide since October 5. Most of those arrested have been teenagers. Teachers and members of the public have faced attacks, while property damage was estimated at tens of millions of euros.

Student unions nevertheless called for a nationwide day of demonstrations on October 6. Security officials are particularly concerned about possible violence during organised protests in central Paris. Authorities also fear that far-left and anarchist groups could attempt to take control of some demonstrations.

The planned protests and continued school closures underline the scale of tensions surrounding France’s education system. Schools remain affected by staffing shortages and damaged facilities while authorities prepare for another day of demonstrations.