Paris Police Chief Warns Student Protests 'Out of Control'

The Paris police chief said on Saturday that France's student protest movement is "out of control" and urged demonstrators to return to peaceful action, warning of a firm response to violence and vandalism. Riot police clashed with high school students on Friday, with around 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, arrested nationwide since Monday and over 600 police officers injured. Teachers and the public have also been attacked, with property damage 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 from far-left anarchist groups. The blockading students are protesting overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and dilapidated buildings.