Violent nationwide protests over teacher shortages and poor school conditions have rapidly escalated in France, marking the most intense day of demonstrations so far. While organizers claim 450,000 people marched across the country, massive clashes broke out in Paris where protesters threw incendiaries and police responded with tear gas. Left-wing presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the crowds at Republic Square, officially expressing his support for the movement as demonstrators chanted slogans backing him. Tensions quickly spilled into side streets, prompting riot police to deploy armored vehicles to manage the unrest. Authorities have not yet released official figures regarding the number of injuries or arrests from the clashes.