French Student Protests Turn Violent, Spread Nationwide

Thousands of French high school students have launched violent protests over learning conditions, with dozens injured in clashes with police and the government accusing the far-left of fueling the unrest. Over 400 schools were closed following the demonstrations. The protests, which began in Paris and spread nationwide, turned increasingly violent this week as some demonstrators clashed with officers and set fire to schools and vehicles. French media reported dozens of educational staff, hundreds of police, and over 100 students injured, with thousands arrested. The far-left party France Unbowed (LFI), led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, openly supported the movement, drawing official condemnation for allegedly inflaming student anger. The unrest adds to the government's political challenges ahead of 2027 budget negotiations, which include €54 billion in cuts such as freezing public sector wages. France, the EU's second-largest economy, has consistently breached bloc deficit and debt rules, with a 5.1% deficit last year and a 119% debt-to-GDP ratio.