French student protests expose systemic school failures, researcher says

Student protests across France have significantly escalated, resulting in over 5,000 detentions and the closure of up to 500 high schools. While initial grievances centered on education reform, overcrowding, and teacher shortages, the unrest has become increasingly violent, with property damage and threats against officials. The scale of arrests and disruption indicates a significant domestic political crisis, though the specific demands and government response remain partially unclear.