French Education Minister Edouard Geirard announced on Sunday that classes will be suspended, either partially or entirely, in 400 to 500 high schools on Monday, October 5, 2026, due to safety concerns. This decision comes as student protests have been ongoing since the start of the week. According to Geirard, 24 educational institutions have been vandalized or set on fire on the sidelines of the protests.
Geirard stated that between 400 and 500 schools had already suspended classes on Friday, and a similar number is expected on Monday, with a gradual and partial resumption of classes. He expressed his regret over the 78 education sector employees who have been injured since the beginning of the events. The minister explained that school closures are decided when safety conditions are not met, either due to damage to buildings and equipment or because employees have been directly targeted.
The minister attributed the violence to extremist groups, particularly from the far left, who have infiltrated the student movement and taken control of the protests. He described these groups as being extremely violent and putting both staff and students at risk. Geirard emphasized that the situation is unprecedented, with 78 education sector employees injured, and that they have been subjected to deliberate attacks.
According to Geirard, the decision to suspend classes is taken when there is a risk to the safety of students and staff. He stated that some schools have been damaged or vandalized, and that employees have been directly targeted. The minister expressed his concern over the escalation of violence and its impact on the education sector.
The protests, which began earlier in the week, have caused disruptions to the education system in France. Geirard's announcement comes as the government seeks to address the concerns of students and staff. The minister's comments were made during an interview with French TV channel "France 2" and radio station "France Inter".
Geirard's statement highlights the challenges faced by the French education sector in maintaining a safe and secure environment for students and staff. The minister's comments also underscore the need for a balanced approach to addressing the concerns of students while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
The situation in France continues to unfold, with ongoing protests and concerns over safety in schools. As the government seeks to address these concerns, the education sector remains a key area of focus.
Key points
- French Education Minister Edouard Geirard announces suspension of classes in 400-500 high schools due to student protests and safety concerns.
- 78 education sector employees have been injured since the beginning of the protests.
- The protests have caused disruptions to the education system in France, with 24 educational institutions vandalized or set on fire.
