A 15-year-old protesting against what demonstrators describe as dilapidated and understaffed schools in France had his hand blown off on Monday in Lens, according to local prefect François-Xavier Lauch. A local newspaper, La Voix du Nord, reported the teenager lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade. An investigation into the incident has been opened.
Hundreds of schools across France remained fully or partially closed on Monday as teenagers continued to blockade buildings. This marks the biggest youth protest movement in years, with between 400 and 500 high schools expected to be affected on Monday out of a total of 3,700.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has acknowledged the students' grievances as "legitimate" and ordered ministers to address their five major demands. These include organising replacement teachers, reviewing lengthy school days, and addressing repairs to dilapidated school buildings. Ministers are expected to present proposals by the end of the month.
Student unions have called for a national day of protest on Tuesday, with more schools anticipated to be barricaded. Thousands of trade unionists, teachers, public sector workers, and parents' groups are expected to join marches in support across France.