French Students Escalate Nationwide Protests Over Education Funding and School Conditions

Tens of thousands marched across France on Tuesday in support of pupils demanding more education funding, turning a high school protest that began near Paris into a nationwide movement. The demonstrations, and the police response that has led to more than 6,100 arrests, are adding pressure on outgoing President Emmanuel Macron amid wider anger over inequality and public spending.

A 15-year-old in Lens lost a hand after picking up a police-fired grenade as French high school protests escalated, with more than 200 students and 700 police injured nationwide. The unrest, driven by complaints about teacher shortages, overcrowded schedules and poor school buildings, has closed hundreds of schools and prompted the government to consider repairs and tougher penalties for vandalism.

Up to 500 French schools will partly or fully close Monday as student protests over education conditions spread nationwide, with officials citing security risks after violence and vandalism. The unrest has led to more than 5,000 arrests and dozens of injuries, while the government is now promising talks on school absences and dilapidated buildings.