France Student Protests Escalate Into Nationwide Unrest

France's student protests over school conditions have escalated into nationwide unrest, with over 400 schools closed and roughly 5,000 arrests since Monday. The demonstrations, sparked by overcrowding, teacher shortages, and dilapidated buildings, intensified after the government's 2027 budget proposed a 1.7% education funding increase. Violence includes fires, tear gas, and clashes, with 65 education staff injured and unions calling a strike for Tuesday. Authorities accuse hard-left politicians of initiating the movement, which they deny, while rights groups allege excessive police force, including rubber bullets injuring a 16-year-old. The unrest has prompted a government crisis meeting amid political tensions ahead of next year's presidential election.