Paris in flames as furious riots erupt in French capital…

PARIS — Widespread student unrest has gripped the French capital, resulting in thousands of arrests, hundreds of injuries, and fires lit in the streets. Demonstrations that initially began in the Paris region over grievances regarding dilapidated school facilities, under-staffed classrooms, and exhausting schedules have rapidly expanded nationwide, impacting hundreds of high schools and universities.

​The volatile protests feature barricaded gates, street vandalism, and confrontations between masked youths and riot police deploying tear gas. The surge in civil unrest comes at a politically sensitive time as political candidates campaign for the upcoming presidential election to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. Speaking out against the escalating violence and political manipulation, Macron criticized the unrest while pointing to a proposed state budget that allocates 65.5 billion euros ($74 billion) to education, exceeding defense spending.

​Despite government budget assurances, nationwide blockades and clashes continue to escalate across French cities.