Clashes erupt between French police and protesters demanding better schools

Student protests in France against poor school conditions and teacher shortages have forced over 150 schools across the country to close for a third week. In Paris, demonstrations turned violent on Thursday, with clashes between riot police and protesters near Bastille Square. The government, led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, promised reforms but did not provide specific details, failing to satisfy student demands for immediate action. Mayor Bally Bagayoko of Saint-Denis, a left-wing advocate supporting the protests, was filmed shielding students from police and later treated for exposure to tear gas. These events come amid broader concerns about excessive police force used during the demonstrations, leading authorities to suspend the use of stun grenades.