French school protests spread as fires, blockades deepen unrest

On Thursday, French secondary school students staged widespread protests across multiple cities, resulting in the closure of more than 160 schools. The demonstrations were sparked by grievances over overcrowded classrooms, persistent teacher shortages, and crumbling school facilities.

The unrest escalated as participants set fires outside educational institutions and established blockades. The movement also expanded as university students joined the secondary pupils in their demonstrations, deepening the ongoing civil unrest in the country.