French Student Protests Escalate: 440 Arrested and 31 Injured

What began as local demonstrations over teacher shortages has erupted across France, leaving 31 people injured and resulting in 440 arrests. Reignited by ongoing public sector strikes, the unrest has disrupted over 400 high schools nationwide, with protesters setting barricades on fire and clashing with police in major cities like Lille and Lyon. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation as “very serious,” noting that the detainees are predominantly minors accused of violence and property damage. Condemning the recent attacks on school staff, Education Minister Edouard Geffray warned, “To justify violence in such an environment or to call for the expansion of blockades is to endanger our students and public employees.”