About 400 French schools closed as riot police clashed with protesting students

About 400 schools in France closed Oct. 2, 2026 after riot police clashed with high school students protesting overcrowded classes, teacher shortages and crumbling facilities. Education Ministry tallies put 564 to 735 establishments facing blockades or disturbances. Unions urged teachers to strike as student groups called for continued mobilization. I see closures testing whether fee concessions can calm resource demands.