FRANCE STUDENT PROTEST: 5,000 Arrested As Protests Spread Nationwide, 400 Schools Shut

France has been rocked by a nationwide student protest movement, with around 400 schools closed and more than 1,200 affected by demonstrations and blockades. Reuters reports roughly 5,000 arrests since Monday, most involving teenagers, as clashes with riot police, fires and other incidents escalate. The unrest comes as the government seeks around €54 billion in savings in its 2027 budget, while France’s debt has reached about 119% of GDP. Debt servicing is projected at €74.5 billion, exceeding the €65.53 billion education allocation. French intelligence officials have reportedly linked the origins of the protests to La France Insoumise and affiliated groups, an allegation the party rejects.