Escalation: University campuses close amid student protests

Student blockades spread to higher education, with 25 campuses barricaded as of Friday morning. Paris Nanterre shut its main campus after entrances were blocked, canceling classes and activities; Toulouse Jean Jaurès closed its Mirail site; and the University of Montpellier Paul Valéry closed its Route de Mende campus for an indefinite period while keeping its other three campuses open. In Montpellier, university students planned a joint general assembly with striking high schoolers.

The actions target rising tuition for non-EU students, poor living conditions, and a shortage of places in degree programs. Students lit fires outside schools and confronted police this morning, as roughly 400 schools were closed nationwide and nearly 2,000 people had been arrested. In Montpellier, student organizers said they would keep mobilizing next week and pressed for places for applicants previously denied and refunds of the higher fees paid by some non-EU students.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources