Massive student protests in Lille highlight French schools' funding crisis

Thousands of students gathered in Lille’s Place de la République, demanding better funding for high schools amid a nationwide wave of demonstrations.

Students across France are voicing anger over what they describe as chronic underinvestment in secondary education, adding to a series of protests that have at times turned violent.

BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake, reporting from Lille, notes a strong police presence near the square but reports no immediate unrest.

While local crowds remain largely peaceful, authorities have warned that some district protests could erupt into clashes as the movement gains momentum.