Student protests rock France, over 400 detained: Why are schools protesting

File photo: A student walks past a burning bicycle next to the Baggio High School, blocked in protest of the government's release of next year's draft budget, in Lille, France France was hit by a nationwide wave of strikes and student protests, with civil servants walking off the job and high school students blocking hundreds of schools as anger over budget cuts, overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages spread across the country.The mobilisation came two days before Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government is due to present its draft 2027 budget, which includes a planned €54 billion savings drive. The protests have added to pressure on the government as it tries to rein in France's finances ahead of next year's presidential election.The unrest was particularly visible at schools, where students piled up bins and barriers to prevent access. The education ministry said around 400 schools were affected by protests or disruptions on Tuesday, out of roughly 3,700 nationwide. More than 440 people, most of them minors, were detained, according to interior minister Laurent Nuñez.​​At least 10 teachers, several students and 48 law enforcement officers were also injured during Tuesd...