France Student Protests Spread Nationwide; Over 5,000 Arrested

Massive student protests have erupted across France, spreading from poor Paris suburbs to other cities, with over 5,000 people arrested amid clashes with police. Demonstrators demand better learning conditions, increased education funding, and solutions to teacher shortages. Students from more than 1,200 schools joined the protests, complaining of overcrowded classrooms, missing teachers, and poor sanitary conditions. Authorities reported over 600 injured police officers, while some protesters suffered serious injuries including eye damage and head trauma. The protests occur amid budget disputes, with the 2027 budget proposing a 1.7% education spending increase below inflation. The movement is the largest national student protest in decades, echoing similar demonstrations in the 1990s.