French High School Students Lead Protests as Around 600 Schools Close

France’s government is facing a wave of protests led by high school students, with around 600 schools closed as anger over education demands fuels the movement.

The closures have disrupted schooling and put student grievances at the centre of a broader challenge for the government over its handling of the unrest.

Labour and education unions are preparing to support the mobilisation, potentially widening a protest movement driven by secondary school students.

The government’s response has drawn criticism for placing greater emphasis on policing and holding protesters accountable than on addressing the educational demands behind the demonstrations.

With unions preparing to lend their backing, the dispute is sharpening scrutiny of whether authorities will engage with students’ concerns rather than treat the protests primarily as a security issue.