Paris Police Chief Calls Student Protests Out of Control, Urges Peaceful Action

Paris police chief Patrice Faure declared France's student protest movement "out of control" on Saturday, urging demonstrators to return to peaceful action and warning of a firm response to violence and vandalism. Since Monday, around 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested nationwide, with over 600 police officers injured. Teachers and the public have been attacked, and property damage is estimated in the tens of millions of euros. Student unions have called for a national day of demonstrations on Tuesday, with security officials fearing further violence in central Paris. The blockading students protest overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and dilapidated buildings, blaming years of underinvestment.