France's protests: overcrowded schools and rising costs

France experienced some of its most violent protests in recent history over the weekend, with thousands rallying against schooling conditions and the cost of living, leading to around 2,400 arrests for rioting, looting, and arson. The protests began with students demanding better learning conditions, including anger over overcrowded classrooms and the planned cut of over 4,000 teaching posts in the 2026 budget. French high school classrooms average 30 students, compared to a range of 17 to 25 in other developed countries, with worse conditions in low-income areas. The movement expanded to reflect broader discontent over affordability, unemployment, and a growing wealth divide. Fuel prices rose 36 percent in September due to the Iran-US war disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipments, and poverty hit a 2024 high of 15.4 percent. President Emmanuel Macron began a West Asia tour on Monday to seek energy security.