French police clash with students as protests disrupt 700 schools

Riot police clashed with students in France as protests over education standards disrupted over 700 schools, with 1,747 arrests made on Friday. The demonstrations, sparked by teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and run-down buildings, spread from Paris to cities including Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of "riot and urban violence," while a 17-year-old was arrested for attempted homicide after an officer was beaten. Education Minister Édouard Geffray claimed non-students hijacked the movement, and at least 65 staff were injured. The unrest comes six months before the presidential election, with planned budget cuts fueling anger.