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French student protests disrupt over 700 schools amid clashes with police

Thousands of students in France have disrupted more than 700 schools, protesting education standards and teacher shortages, leading to clashes with riot police.

  • Over 700 schools in France were disrupted on Friday due to student protests.
  • Protesters are demonstrating against a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and run-down buildings.
  • At least 65 staff members have been injured, and a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide.

Thousands of students demonstrating over education standards have disrupted more than 700 schools across France on Friday, leading to clashes with riot police. Protests, which began last week in Paris, have spread to cities including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille.

Students are objecting to a lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and run-down school buildings. Fires have been set in streets, and police have made arrests, deploying tear gas in some areas.

The education ministry reported that at least 65 staff members have been injured, and "significant damage" has been done to school facilities. Nelson Mandela high school in Nantes reportedly sustained over €2m (£1.7m) in damage after a fire.

A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in Belfort after a police officer was targeted. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that prosecutors have been asked to hold parents liable for damage caused by their children.

Many French unions, including SNEP-FSU, SNUEP-FSU, and Solidaires, have expressed support for the protesting students.

Why this matters: The protests are occurring six months before France's presidential election, with planned budget cuts impacting education funding being a point of contention.

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