Students Rally in France for Second Day of Mass Protests in a Week: Live Updates

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   France Closes Schools as Mass Student Protests Enter Second Week

   France prepares to close up to 500 schools on Monday as mass student protests calling for better conditions and increased educational investment enter their second week. Lessons will be totally or partly suspended following violent clashes between riot police and demonstrators. The government reports that hundreds of schools have been blockaded, resulting in injuries to 215 students and 715 police officers. Students have been joined in the demonstrations by parents and major labor unions.

   Why it matters

   The unrest stems from student anger over dilapidated and understaffed schools, with demonstrators holding signs referencing May 1968. Prime Minister responses and unspecified promises have failed to halt the daily protests and blockades. The demonstrations have drawn political friction across the French political spectrum, with the resurgent far left engaging with the movement.

   What is confirmed

   • France will close up to 500 schools on Monday due to student protests.
   • Lessons will be totally or partly suspended in some high schools after clashes between riot police and student protesters.
   • Students have blockaded hundreds of schools in the past week.
   • The government states that 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured.
   • Students demanding more investment in education are being joined by parents and some big unions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A 15-year-old student protesting against France's schools lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade on Monday.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the planned closure of up to 500 schools on Monday dampens or further fuels the student demonstrations
   • How the government responds to calls from unions and parents joining the student movement
   Sources used for this update (28)

   1. www.bbc.co.uk — France to close up to 500 schools on Monday over student protests - BBC News
   2. www.bbc.com — France school protests: Students joined by parents and unions in mass protests
   3. The New York Times — The School Near Paris That Shows Why French Students Are Protesting
   4. CNN — French leaders say they’re listening to students. Will it be enough?
   5. www.bbc.com — France braces for national day of student protests after injuries and mass arrests
   6. The New York Times — For France’s Resurgent Far Left, Student Protests Are an Opening and a Threat
   7. Reuters — French school blockades persist after PM's unspecified promises
   8. Reuters — France protests live: High school students rally over conditions, tensions flare in Belgium
   9. The New York Times — Live Updates: Students Rally in France for Second Day of Mass Protests in a Week
   10. Time Magazine — Student Protesters in France are Holding Signs Referencing May 1968. Here’s Why It’s Significant
   11. dw.com — France: Police clash with protesters at Paris student rally
   12. Euronews.com — Mélenchon declares ‘Bastille retaken’ after major student rally in Paris
   confidence 90%