French student protests: 2,000 arrested, hundreds of schools shut over education demands

Massive student protests have erupted across France, with over 2,000 people arrested and hundreds of high schools shut or damaged, marking the government's worst crisis in months. Violent clashes with police have left dozens of students and education staff injured. Students are demanding action on abysmal secondary education conditions, including collapsing ceilings, leaks, cockroach infestations, overcrowded classes, poor teacher pay, and scorching classroom temperatures. Demonstrations have spread to Paris, Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille, with over 700 of France's 3,700 schools affected. The government calls the grievances legitimate but condemns the violence, while students accuse police of excessive force, including an investigation into a 14-year-old's serious injuries. The protests come six months before the presidential election, with students saying they "just want to learn in decent conditions."