ABOUT 400 FRENCH SCHOOLS CLOSED AS STUDENT PROTESTS INTENSIFY
About 400 schools and other educational institutions across France are expected to remain closed on Friday as a fast growing student protest movement over teacher shortages, deteriorating buildings and school resources continues to disrupt education nationwide. The demonstrations began in the Paris region but have since spread across the country, with protests reported in cities including Toulouse, Strasbourg, Marseille and Nantes. While many demonstrations have remained focused on education demands, some have descended into violence involving fires, property damage and clashes with police. The French government says a violent minority has exploited the movement, while opposition figures and some student groups accuse authorities of worsening tensions through heavy policing.