France Faces Severe Unrest as Protests Over Schools and Living Costs Turn Violent

France is experiencing its most severe wave of public unrest in years after protests over school conditions and living costs escalated into violent clashes, looting, and destruction nationwide. On October 17, demonstrations spread across major French cities as students, trade unions, and other groups mobilized over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school infrastructure, and growing economic frustration. The unrest highlights deepening political polarization in France, with the government facing mounting pressure to address both educational system failures and broader economic grievances amid the escalating crisis.