Pobunjenici bi mogli predati Le Pen predsjedništvo

Rioters in France have escalated tensions in a nationwide wave of student protests, with violent clashes between demonstrators and police leaving dozens injured and a 15-year-old boy losing his hand after handling a police-stun grenade. The unrest, initially sparked by grievances over deteriorating school infrastructure and the Parcoursup admissions system, has spiraled into widespread chaos, with over 1,000 secondary schools mobilized and thousands arrested. The violence has raised fears that the turmoil could influence upcoming presidential elections, potentially benefiting Marine Le Pen of the far-right Rassemblement National. The protests began in late September in the Paris region, centered around concerns over poor school facilities, overcrowded classes, and a lack of resources. Students and teachers alike voiced frustration over outdated buildings, inadequate heating in winter and unbearable temperatures in summer, and the perceived inequities of the Parcoursup system, which critics argue favors wealthier applicants. These issues became a rallying point for the radical left party La France Insoumise (LFI), led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who has long advocated for improved education funding and reforms to university admissions. As the demonstrations spread beyond Paris to cities such as Lille, Marseille, and Belfort, the tone of the protests shifted dramatically. Reports emerged of increasingly violent confrontations between students and law enforcement. Police deployed tear gas, flash-balls, and rubber bullets, while demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and other projectiles. In Paris, a female trainee police officer was attacked and beaten by a group of youths. In Belfort, a plain-clothes officer was nearly killed by a lynch mob of masked teenagers. In Marseille, a woman was sprayed in the face with an improvised flamethrower. The violence reached a grim peak in the northern town of Lens, where a 15-year-old student lost his hand after picking up a police-stun grenade that detonated. Local officials confirmed the incident occurred as the protests entered their third week. Authorities have not yet commented on the specific circumstances surrounding the explosion, though they noted that approximately 200 to 250 protesters were involved in the clash with police. The escalating conflict has placed additional strain on the government, which faces criticism from rights groups over the use of force against minors. Investigations are underway into allegations that police used excessive force, including cases involving injuries sustained from rubber bullets. Meanwhile, the LFI has denied accusations that it incited violence, instead blaming the government for failing to address the concerns of students and educators. With six months remaining until the presidential election, the political landscape is shifting. Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally leads current polls, and her party has accused the LFI of exacerbating the situation. However, the LFI maintains that the government has neglected the needs of students and is attempting to deflect attention from its own failures. The protests have also impacted the economy, with investor concerns over France’s financial stability causing the yield on 10-year government bonds to rise to a 24-year high. As of Monday, between 400 and 500 high schools remained either fully or partially closed due to ongoing demonstrations. Despite efforts by the government to restore order, the situation shows no signs of abating, with large-scale protests planned for the coming weeks.