Student protests spread across France, alarming Macron's government

A wave of student protests that began nearly two weeks ago in France has spread nationwide, alarming the government of President Emmanuel Macron. The movement, which has involved school blockades and violence, is seen as a major political threat ahead of presidential elections. Hundreds of high schools have been blocked or closed, with incidents including a major fire in Nantes and dozens of injuries among staff and police. The government reports around 2,000 arrests, while student groups accuse police of causing serious injuries, including eye damage and lost teeth. The protests stem from demands for more school funding and resources, but authorities suspect manipulation by the far-left France Unbowed party and its candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Analysts view the unrest as a potential precursor to heightened political polarization in the upcoming election year.