Mass School Protests Spread Across France After Days of Clashes

French high school students expanded nationwide protests after several days of clashes with riot police, blocking school entrances and setting fires in some cities. Demonstrators are demanding more education funding, additional teachers, less overcrowding, and improved facilities. Authorities said hundreds of schools were closed, while dozens of people were injured and thousands of students stayed home. The government has accused outside groups of fueling violence, while unions called a teachers’ strike. The unrest is adding pressure ahead of presidential election.