France Braces for Fresh Nationwide Student Protests

France prepared for fresh nationwide demonstrations supporting students protesting poor classroom conditions, with a march through Paris starting at 1200 GMT.

The protests follow demonstrations on Thursday that drew over 70,000 people and led to about 500 arrests across France.

The education ministry reported that 130 of 3,700 lycees were closed on Monday, while the government promised to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to replace absent staff.