French police clash with students as education protests disrupt 700 schools

Riot police clashed with students as protests over education standards disrupted more than 700 schools across France on Friday, with fires burning in streets and at least 65 staff members injured. The demonstrations, which began last week in Paris and spread to cities including Montpellier, Nantes and Marseille, stem from complaints about teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and run-down buildings. A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide after a police officer was beaten in Belfort, while authorities reported seizing petrol bombs and an axe from demonstrators. The unrest comes six months before France's presidential election, with planned budget cuts to education funding fueling anger. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said about 2,000 people, mostly children, had been taken into custody, while education unions have voiced support for the student movement.