France’s student protests turn violent amid education grievances

Student protests in France that began over school conditions have escalated into violence in several cities, prompting concern from officials and analysts about the scale of the unrest. The demonstrations started in Paris’ outskirts before spreading to major cities including Marseille, Strasbourg, Nantes, Toulouse, Lille and others. Students have cited overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, long school days and worsening school conditions, while also criticizing the government’s planned education spending increase, which Reuters reported is below inflation. French authorities said more than 5,000 people had been arrested this week, and schools across the country have suffered damage or temporary closures. Education officials also reported injuries to school staff and students as police used tear gas and rubber bullets to respond to clashes. Intelligence agencies have suggested the movement may have been encouraged by hardleft politicians, a claim the party denies.