Lycée Nelson-Mandela in Nantes damaged by arson during student protests

An arson attack destroyed the entrance hall of Lycée Nelson-Mandela in Nantes on Thursday morning, during the third day of nationwide student protests in France. The fire spread to parts of the building's facade and roof, though no injuries were reported.

School officials described the fire as intentional. Due to the damage, the school, which serves over 1,500 students, will remain closed for several weeks as the entrance area is no longer safe for daily operations.

The incident occurred amid widespread demonstrations regarding the French education system, with students demanding more teachers and improved material conditions. While some officials suggested the fire may have been set by individuals outside the student movement, the exact perpetrators remain unknown. Political figures have reacted to the unrest, with Marine Le Pen attributing responsibility for the continued mobilizations to Jean-Luc Mélenchon.