Education Minister condemns violence amid nationwide high-school blockades
Education Minister Édouard Geffray denounced the violent tactics used in recent high-school protests, stressing that grievances must be voiced through democratic means.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray appeared on RTL to condemn the recent wave of high-school blockades across France, arguing that while students have legitimate concerns, resorting to violence undermines democracy. He cited 76 injured individuals, among them 18 school staff, and recounted assaults on principals and teachers. The unrest, driven by perceived under-funding and worsening classroom conditions, has affected around 400 institutions, with roughly 40 fully shut down.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported 440 arrests, two-thirds of which resulted in detention for property damage or attacks on officials. Geffray rebuked LFI mayor Bally Bagayoko of Saint-Denis for implying that violent action could be justified, and questioned the public interest of such tactics, noting damages nearing one million euros in Île-de-France.
Why it matters
The protests highlight deep issues in France's education system and raise concerns about public safety and political exploitation of student unrest.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Education Minister urges calm as high-school blockades turn violent in Île-de-France
- Sep 28 Ministers issued a warning that police will intervene if the blockades become violent.
- Sep 29 Around ten Paris high schools faced blockage attempts on Tuesday with no reported violence or injuries.
In this story
Related stories
12 in this thread