French secondary school students have escalated protests over poor conditions—long hours, teacher shortages, and decaying facilities—into violent demonstrations, prompting the government to close 400 schools and move classes online. Nearly 3,000 students have been detained and over 300 police injured as riots involving arson spread across the country, with political figures including hard-left candidate Mélenchon weighing in on the unrest.
Hundreds of French school students have been arrested and dozens injured during widespread protests over overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages, with blockades affecting around 400 lycées across major cities. The demonstrations, which began in Paris, have escalated to violence including projectiles, fires, and police use of tear gas and batons, prompting debate over policing tactics and political involvement.