Student unrest spreads across France as schools close and clashes continue

Students and police have clashed across France as protests over school staffing shortages, overcrowded classes, dilapidated buildings, budget cuts and long schedules spread from Paris-region schools to campuses and high schools nationwide.

Officials say more than 625 people, mostly students, have been arrested over two days. The unrest has touched more than 350 high schools and about 30 university campuses, with tear gas, blockades and street fighting reported around school buildings.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called a crisis meeting and canceled ministers’ trips as the government tried to contain the disorder. The turmoil has also forced about 400 French schools to close.

Injuries have mounted as well. Reports say 83 police officers and gendarmes were hurt in one day, while 119 students and school staff have been injured since the unrest began last week.

One of the most serious episodes came in Marseille, where the principal of Victor Hugo high school was doused in gasoline and injured. The scale of that attack, and who was behind it, is still unclear.