France Student Protests: 5,000 Arrested as School Conditions Spark Nationwide Unrest

More than 5,000 people have been arrested in France since Monday as student protests over school conditions escalate, with blockades and police clashes affecting hundreds of institutions nationwide. The movement began September 17 at a Paris suburb high school over teacher shortages and resource gaps, spreading via TikTok as students cite grievances including teacher absences, overcrowded classrooms, and long school days. The government accuses the hard-left of fueling unrest, while critics allege heavy-handed police tactics. Protests have exposed deep social inequality in France's education system, from vocational to elite schools, and become a political flashpoint ahead of presidential elections, with far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon supporting the students while urging non-violence.