France Arrests 5,000 in Student Protests as 400 Schools Stay Shut

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 4

More than 5,000 protesters were arrested across France this week as student demonstrations over under-resourced schools turned violent, leaving more than 400 schools still closed by Friday.
A 1.7% rise in 2027 education spending—excluding teacher pensions and below inflation—intensified anger over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, long school days and deteriorating facilities.
At least 65 school staff, including 40 principals, and about 170 students were injured, while more than 100 high schools suffered severe damage amid arson, vandalism and attacks on police and firefighters.
French intelligence told a government crisis meeting that hard-left party France Unbowed helped initiate the movement, an allegation the party denies as Macron's government and opponents trade blame ahead of the 2027 election.