Student protests spread across France, Belgium

Hundreds of schools were closed or disrupted across France on Friday as student protests over learning con-ditions entered a new phase, with authorities reporting mass arrests, injuries, property damage and clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

France's Education Minister Edouard Geffray said more than 1,200 high schools had been disrupted or blocked since the mobilisation began, while more than 100 schools suffered severe damage.

Geffray said 65 school staff, including 40 headteachers, had been injured, while 170 students had also suf-fered injuries. Authorities said about 900 protests were reported outside schools on Thursday, when nearly 2,000 people were arrested and more than 300 police officers and gendarmes were injured.

Strasbourg saw some of the sharpest clashes, with protesters moving towards a University of Strasbourg campus. Mortar fireworks were reported, while tear gas was used.

In the Paris region, 55 high schools were affected by violence, clashes or damage by midday. The Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region estimated damage at €25 million to €30 million.

Meanwhile, student protests continued in Belgium's Liege province, where police made 40 arrests.

police reported clashes, damaged businesses and scooters set on fire.

Students in Belgium said they were protesting education reforms and measures affecting daily life, including higher public transport costs.