France’s student protests grow as hundreds of schools close

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned against escalating school protests after 164 arrests on Monday, citing violent incidents like fireworks and fires near schools in Paris. The demonstrations, which began last week around Paris due to issues such as overcrowded classes and teacher shortages, have spread nationwide with blockades in over 300 high schools reported by Tuesday. In Lille, masked students clashed with police, who used tear gas after bins were set on fire. Nationwide, 440 people—mostly minors—were detained, while 12 security forces members, 12 students, and three staff members were injured. Teachers and firefighters also staged strikes over budget cuts, adding to the tension across France.