More than 400 high schools in France were closed or faced disruptions Monday, amid student protests over crowding and poor conditions that have swept the country in recent days.
The movement spiraled from a demonstration late last month in support of striking teachers at a school in the Paris suburb of Creteil. Protesters have decried dilapidated schools, overcrowded classrooms, staff shortages and inequalities in the education system.
In some demonstrations across the country, protesters have clashed with security forces as students blockaded school entrances. Police have used tear gas to disperse crowds.
The images of unrest are gripping France about six months before a presidential election that will decide who succeeds President Emmanuel Macron, as far-right leader Marine Le Pen gains ground in the polls.
Student groups have called for a nationwide day of protest on Tuesday, and some influential labor unions are expected to join.
On Monday, demonstrations persisted in Paris and other cities, including Lille and Marseille. In the northern town of Lens, French news outlets reported that a teenager lost his hand, seemingly after picking up a stun grenade fired by police. Education Minister Édouard Geffray told reporters that the matter was under investigation.
He said 190 students had been injured. At least 24 schools had been ransacked or set on fire, he said.
Rights groups say police are deploying heavy-handed tactics. The Interior Ministry said at least 5,000 people, mostly minors, were detained in protests last week.
Government officials have accused the far-left La France Insoumise of stoking “urban violence,” an accusation the party rejects.
“1 teacher for 35 students. 5 riot police for 1 student,” read a sign held by a demonstrator in Marseille on Monday.
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