Paris protesters clash with police as education and cost-of-living anger grows

Police clashed with protesters at Paris's Place de la République on Saturday during demonstrations against falling education standards, rising fuel prices, and the cost of living. The BBC reported widespread tension as police deployed to the streets. The protests began last month at high schools in Paris's poor northern suburbs, where anger over teacher absences and shabby facilities grew into a nationwide movement against inequality and declining public services. Hundreds of protests were planned across France, with tens of thousands expected to participate. BBC correspondent Adina Campbell reported live from the scene, noting a significant shift in mood as the demonstrations escalated. The movement has expanded beyond education to broader economic grievances.