What’s behind French student protests that turned violent? | Protests News | Al Jazeera

Protests over crowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and long school days have spread across France, resulting in over 400 arrests, many minors. The movement started in Paris high schools last week and expanded nationwide, with violent incidents including setting trash bins on fire and throwing projectiles at police in cities like Lille, Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes, Lyon, and Marseille. The unrest coincides with a public sector strike over government budget plans, adding political tension for President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the 2027 presidential election.