Hundreds arrested in French school protests as Macron summons ministers
The interior ministry said 256,000 people protested nationwide, while US President Donald Trump blamed the unrest in France on “mass migration.”
Mass protests over the poor conditions at high schools in France turned violent on Tuesday, resulting in nearly 500 arrests. French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting to address the unrest, which began in late September as students protested poor facilities and teacher shortages. US President Donald Trump blamed the unrest on "mass migration" and Islam, ahead of the upcoming 2027 French election.
At least 488 people were arrested, and 43 security force members were wounded. Rights groups and protesters have accused authorities of using excessive force. A 14-year-old student lost several teeth after being hit in the face with a tear gas grenade. The unrest, which has spread to other cities, highlights the students' demand for better-funded schools.
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