Politics · Malaysia Bureau
France closes hundreds of schools amid student protest unrest
French authorities have announced the closure of hundreds of schools as a security measure following weeks of student-led demonstrations that have resulted in damage to educational facilities across the country.
LSN Malaysia ·
France's education ministry confirmed Monday that hundreds of schools will remain closed as a precautionary measure to ensure student and staff safety during ongoing protests. The decision follows reports that at least 24 schools have been burned or ransacked since the movement began, prompting officials to implement the widespread shutdown.
Education officials characterised the closure as a necessary security precaution, citing concerns over the escalating nature of the demonstrations and associated vandalism. The scale of the closures underscores the tension between authorities' duty to maintain educational continuity and their responsibility to protect school property and personnel.
The protests have highlighted deep divisions over education policy, with students mobilising across multiple regions. The level of facility damage reported has alarmed officials and prompted calls for enhanced security measures at schools nationwide.
Authorities have indicated that the closures are temporary and that schools will reopen once security concerns are addressed. Education officials have not yet announced a specific timeline for resumption of normal operations.