Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined student protests in France amid escalating violence, widespread school closures, and over 6,800 arrests related to demands for education reform.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined student protesters in France on Tuesday, amid escalating violence, thousands of arrests, and widespread school closures linked to demands for education reform. The 23-year-old Swedish activist appeared outside a high school in Saint-Denis, located north of Paris, where students were advocating for more teachers, improved facilities, and shorter school days, according to Reuters.
Since the protests began in September, French authorities have reported that over 6,800 individuals have been detained. Demonstrators have engaged in various forms of protest, including setting fires, erecting barricades, and confronting riot police across cities in France. Despite the violence, many protests have remained peaceful.
Thunberg, who gained international recognition for organizing school strikes focused on climate change, criticized the French government’s response to the demonstrations. “We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights,” Thunberg stated to reporters, as reported by Reuters. She also condemned the police response, describing it as “extremely violent.”
On Tuesday, approximately 161,500 people marched across France, with 41,500 participating in the Paris demonstration, according to figures from the Interior Ministry. The Education Ministry reported that 214 schools were closed due to the unrest.
The protests have become a significant political issue ahead of France’s presidential election scheduled for next May. Far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the government of using excessive force against young protesters. Mélenchon was seen joining demonstrators in Paris on Tuesday, while right-wing National Rally leader Marine Le Pen condemned the violence perpetrated by some protesters and called for those responsible for damaging schools to cover the repair costs.
The police response has faced scrutiny following a recent incident in which a 15-year-old boy lost his hand and part of his lower arm after picking up a police dispersal grenade that detonated during a demonstration in Lens. In light of this incident, French authorities have suspended the use of the type of stun grenade involved.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged for restraint and dialogue as the protests continue. Students have voiced concerns over deteriorating school buildings, shortages of teachers, and lengthy school days that can extend from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In response, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed ministers to address the students’ demands.
The ongoing unrest highlights the growing tensions surrounding education in France, as students seek to improve their learning environments and advocate for their rights. The situation remains fluid, with both sides calling for action and dialogue as the protests evolve.
According to Reuters, the protests reflect a broader discontent among students and the public regarding the state of education in France.