Student unrest spreads across France amid school complaints and arrests

French authorities have arrested more than 625 people over two days as protests and riots spread near schools and universities across the country. The unrest began in the Paris region and has since expanded to dozens of high schools and university campuses. Students say they are protesting staffing shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating buildings, long schedules, and government budget cuts. The government says some incidents have turned into serious violence, including attacks on school leaders and damage to property. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu held a crisis meeting on Thursday as officials tried to contain the unrest. Police used tear gas in several cities, and education officials urged schools to move classes online if campuses were blocked. The protests have also become part of France’s broader political debate ahead of next year’s presidential race.