Police throw tear gas as they struggle to contain France's biggest student protests in decades

French police have deployed tear gas and water cannons against student protesters across the country, marking what officials describe as the most significant school-related unrest in decades. The demonstrations, which began in September in Parisian suburbs and have since spread nationwide, involve students, teachers, and parents protesting against underfunded education, inadequate staffing, and dilapidated school infrastructure. Clashes have occurred in various cities, including Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon, and Rennes, with reports of protesters setting fires and throwing projectiles.

The protests have intensified, leading to numerous injuries, with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stating that at least 215 teenagers and 85 school staff have been hurt, alongside over 700 police officers. More than 6,100 people have been arrested since the protests began, with a significant majority being minors. The government has defended the police response as proportionate, while rights groups and students have accused authorities of using excessive force against minors.

These widespread student actions come at a challenging time for the French government, which is under pressure to address a growing budget deficit. Investor concerns about France's increasing public debt, weak economic growth, and hesitation to curb spending have contributed to rising bond yields, highlighting a broader debt crisis that some observers fear could have wider European implications.