France’s high school protests have taken a darker turn, with sporadic violence, nearly 500 arrests and dozens of injured security officers.
President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency meeting.
The demonstrations began in late September, as students blocked entrances at hundreds of high schools.
The protests stemmed from complaints about rundown facilities and teacher shortages.
But what started as a school-focused protest has grown into a wider movement, drawing parents, teachers and union workers onto the streets.
So what is driving the anger? Around 256,000 people protested nationwide, according to the interior ministry, while unions estimated the crowd at 450,000.
By Tuesday, 488 people had been arrested and 43 security officers were wounded.
Police Under Fire
The response has also sparked controversy. Rights groups, unions and protesters accused police of using excessive force.
After a teenager lost a hand when officers fired a stun grenade.
In another incident, a 14-year-old in northwest Paris was struck in the face by a tear gas grenade at close range, losing several teeth.
A policeman was charged over the incident.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump blamed France’s unrest on “mass migration” and Islam.
With schools, streets and politics now colliding, one question remains.
Can Macron calm the situation before the classrooms become the least heated place in France?
