French protests over schools turn violent, over 5,000 arrested

French authorities have arrested over 5,000 people, mostly minors, following unprecedented school protests that have spread across the country, with a 15-year-old student losing a hand after picking up a stun grenade in Lens. The protests began September 17 in Paris over teacher shortages, long school days, and poor facilities including rat infestations. Violence escalated with 400-500 high schools partially or fully closed, 24 schools burned or vandalized, and 78 education staff injured. Police intelligence suspects far-left groups, particularly La France Insoumise, of infiltrating the movement, though experts caution against overstating their role. The unrest comes as France faces budget constraints ahead of the 2027 presidential election.