French police arrest 1,747 as student protests over school conditions escalate

Protests by French high school students escalated Friday with clashes against police, resulting in 1,747 arrests nationwide, as demonstrations over school conditions spread across the country. The unrest, which began in September in the Paris region, involves complaints about long hours, poor facilities, and teacher shortages. Officials reported injuries to over 300 police and 65 staff, with fires damaging school entrances and tear gas deployed in multiple cities. The government condemned violence while pledging faster teacher replacements, but student unions called for continued protests Tuesday. The unrest carries political weight as France approaches presidential elections in seven months, with officials accusing hard-left groups of influence.