About 400 French schools closed as some student protests turn violent - Reuters

More than 400 schools across France were closed on Friday after student demonstrations escalated into violent incidents. The protests, which began over education‑related grievances, spread to multiple regions and prompted authorities to suspend classes as a precautionary measure.

In several cities, the unrest turned destructive. Fire crews reported that a school in the western city of Nantes was set ablaze, while the façade of another school in Le Havre suffered fire damage. The incidents prompted the deployment of emergency services to contain the flames and secure the affected premises.

The closures affected both primary and secondary institutions, with many local education authorities confirming that the schools would remain shut for the day. Parents were advised to keep children at home and to follow updates from municipal officials regarding the resumption of classes.

Police and security forces were present at numerous protest sites to maintain order and to prevent further escalation. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, the incidents of arson and property damage prompted a heightened security presence in the affected areas.

Education officials indicated that the decision to keep schools closed was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff, and to allow time for a thorough assessment of the damaged facilities before any reopening could be considered.More than 400 schools across France were closed on Friday after student demonstrations escalated into violent incidents. The protests, which began over education‑related grievances, spread to multiple regions and prompted authorities to suspend classes as a precautionary measure.

In several cities, the unrest turned destructive. Fire crews reported that a school in the western city of Nantes was set ablaze, while the façade of another school in Le Havre suffered fire damage. The incidents prompted the deployment of emergency services to contain the flames and secure the affected premises.

The closures affected both primary and secondary institutions, with many local education authorities confirming that the schools would remain shut for the day. Parents were advised to keep children at home and to follow updates from municipal officials regarding the resumption of classes.

Police and security forces were present at numerous protest sites to maintain order and to prevent further escalation. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, the incidents of arson and property damage prompted a heightened security presence in the affected areas.

Education officials indicated that the decision to keep schools closed was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff, and to allow time for a thorough assessment of the damaged facilities before any reopening could be considered.