Strasbourg:Hundreds of schools across France were closed or disrupted due to intensifying student protests demanding better learning conditions. Mass arrests and injuries were reported on Friday, highlighting the scale of the unrest.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Ministry of National Education announced that 564 schools faced disruptions. Education Minister Edouard Geffray had previously indicated that over 400 schools would be closed, citing damage to fire protection systems and threats to staff. Geffray also reported that 1,207 high schools experienced disturbances, with more than 100 schools suffering severe damage, and 65 staff members, including 40 headteachers, injured. Additionally, 170 students were injured, and authorities reported 900 protests, leading to nearly 2,000 arrests and over 300 law enforcement injuries.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the violence, particularly pointing out an attack on an off-duty police officer in Belfort. He emphasized that officers were facing not mere protesters but rioters, as the protests were allegedly hijacked by violent groups. The government attributes the organization of these protests to the far-left political party (LFI) and associated groups.
In Strasbourg, clashes erupted as protests moved from a high school to the University of Strasbourg campus, involving mortar fireworks and fires. Security forces responded with tear gas as the situation worsened. Similar disturbances were reported in Paris, where fires were set at school entrances, and in the Loire region, where arrests were made for carrying dangerous items.
The Bouches-du-Rhone prefect reported fewer protesters in Marseille compared to previous days, with 11 schools affected. The Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region estimated the damage from protests to be between £25 million and £30 million, with numerous blockades and attacks on high schools recorded. In the Aude region, disturbances included fires and projectiles, resulting in several arrests.
High schools in the Ile-de-France region faced significant violence, prompting bans on demonstrations near schools. As the unrest continues, student organizations and political groups have called for further mobilization against what they perceive as police repression.