French school protests spread as fires, blockades deepen unrest

French secondary school students are protesting issues including overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and poor facilities. The demonstrations escalated on Thursday with fires set outside schools and blockades in multiple cities, leading to the closure of over 160 schools. University students in Paris and Marseille have joined the movement. Hundreds of students have been detained as a result of the protests, which are occurring in lycées, the final three years of secondary education for students aged 15 to 18. The government has commented on the situation.