Student protests continue across France, as many as 500 schools closed

Student protests continued on Monday across France, with blockades reported at between 400 and 500 high schools, according to the country’s director general of school education.

According to Edouard Geffray, this number represents between 10% and 13% of roughly 3,700 high schools in the country.

The protests, which began on September 18, are being organised by student unions demanding that the government reverse cuts in the education budget, increase funding for schools and improve conditions for teachers.

Students are calling for increased funding for education, more teachers and better working conditions, while the government has promised to address some of the demands but has not yet reached an agreement with the unions.

Local media report that in several cities, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille, students have blocked school entrances and organised marches in the streets, causing traffic disruptions.

Police have been deployed to maintain order, but no serious incidents have been reported so far.

The education minister has said the government is ready for dialogue with student representatives and has called on them to end the blockades and return to classes.