French school protests challenge Macron's government as violence concerns grow

French high school students are expected to resume protests this week, challenging President Emmanuel Macron's government after a weekend pause. A key concern is whether violence will escalate and prompt a stronger police response. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported over 5,000 arrests last week, with 85% being minors, and hundreds injured. The movement's endurance faces a test Tuesday when the CGT labor union urges workers to join demonstrations. Protests began in mid-September in Creteil over school staffing shortages, spreading nationwide with complaints about inequality, poor facilities, and long hours. Far-left France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon supports the students, while critics accuse him of exploiting the unrest for his presidential campaign.