Riot police and student demonstrators clashed in several French cities on Friday as widespread protests over education standards intensified. The movement, which originated in Paris last week, has now impacted more than 700 schools nationwide, with notable unrest reported in Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille.
Protesters are rallying against a lack of teaching staff, building decay, and classroom overcrowding. In some locations, the demonstrations turned chaotic, with fires lit in the streets.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin addressed the escalating situation, stating that the movement had “gone from high-school student demonstrations to a public order disturbance.”
