French high schools remain closed amid student protests

Hundreds of French high schools are entering a second week of closures as student protests continue to spread across the country. Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated that between 400 and 500 of France’s 3,700 high schools are expected to remain completely or partially closed on October 5. These demonstrations, which began in late September at a school in a Paris suburb, are centered on grievances regarding teacher shortages, classroom overcrowding, and the dilapidated state of school facilities.

The ongoing unrest has resulted in significant property damage and physical confrontations. According to official figures, 24 schools have been ransacked or burnt, and 78 employees within the national education system have sustained injuries since the protests commenced. On October 5, reports indicated clashes between police and students in Lille, the use of tear gas in Toulouse, and an attempted break-in involving a fire at a school in central Paris.

Government officials have expressed a firm stance regarding the disruptions. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon stated that the administration's current priority is to restore order. The protests have taken place against a backdrop of broader economic tension, as the government prepares to introduce a budget aimed at narrowing the national deficit.

The demonstrations have coincided with increased scrutiny of France’s fiscal health. Last week, the country’s 10-year bond yield briefly exceeded 5%, marking its highest level since 2002. Financial analysts have noted that the ongoing social unrest has compounded investor concerns regarding the nation's economic outlook.

As the closures continue, preparations are underway for a nationwide day of demonstrations scheduled for October 6. The movement, which began as a localized response to staffing issues, has evolved into a broader expression of student dissatisfaction that continues to challenge authorities ahead of the upcoming legislative debates on the 2027 budget.