French student protests disrupt over 400 schools

More than 400 schools in France were affected by blockades and protests on Monday, according to the Ministry of Education, as student mobilization continued. The protests demand more substitute teachers and better school building conditions. The 413 affected schools represent a 27% drop from Friday's 564 and a 32% drop from Thursday's 610, though 40% of Monday's affected schools had no prior incidents, suggesting an attempt to expand the movement. Incidents included fires, property damage, and clashes with security forces in cities like Paris and Toulouse. Authorities have detained about 5,000 people since protests began in mid-September, mostly minors, with 24 schools burned or damaged and 78 education staff injured. The government plans a law requiring protesters to pay for damages, while unions accuse it of excessive force and the government blames left-wing party La France Insoumise for fueling tensions ahead of presidential elections.