French Student Protests Spread

French students escalated nationwide protests at high schools and universities into fires, blockades and clashes with police across multiple cities. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called a crisis cabinet meeting and canceled ministers’ trips to address the unrest. Students say they are protesting overloaded schedules, long school days, crowded classes, missing staff and schools falling into disrepair. The fight now lands as France prepares a cost-cutting 2027 budget and nears its next presidential election. Education Minister Édouard Geffray ordered remote classes where damage or blockades made attendance unsafe. Authorities cited more than 1,900 arrests Thursday, while protest supporters accused police of heavy-handed tactics. More closures and policing decisions remain ahead.