Hundreds of French high schools remain closed on the nationwide day of demonstrations

On today's nationwide day of demonstrations, hundreds of French high schools will remain closed for the second week in a row.

Of the 3,700 high schools in France, between 400 and 500 are expected to remain fully or partially closed, Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced. The organizers of the school protests criticize dilapidated schools and classrooms, overcrowding and a shortage of teachers.

Meanwhile, the French government is trying to pass a budget for 2027. According to Education Minister Geffray, 24 schools have been set on fire or looted and 78 state education employees have been injured since the demonstrations began. Around 5,000 people were arrested across the country, most of them teenagers. The material damage is also estimated at tens of millions of euros. "Our priority is to restore order," said government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon.