SAINT-DENIS, France, Oct 13 – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined a protest outside a high school in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, as French students demonstrated for improved educational conditions on Tuesday. This protest marks the fourth week of nationwide demonstrations focused on issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school facilities.
Protesters congregated outside schools across Paris and other cities, wielding placards and megaphones. Thunberg, addressing reporters, voiced support for the students, stating, “We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights.” She emphasized the urgent need for action on various issues, including inadequate school funding and climate change.
Demonstrations Across France
Students organized marches and blockades at many educational institutions, resulting in clashes with police in some cities, including Lyon and Strasbourg. Footage broadcasted by BFM TV showed violent confrontations between masked individuals and riot police, with tear gas deployed in response. Simultaneously, large gatherings in cities such as Nantes and Marseille remained mostly peaceful, where demonstrators held signs criticizing the state of the national education system.
The Ministry of Education reported that 214 schools were closed on Tuesday, a decrease from 800 during a similar protest the previous week, indicating a trend of better attendance. However, the ministry noted that 94.2% of high schools were operational on the protest day.
Despite promises from the government to address the grievances of the students, challenges remain due to financial constraints amid rising national debt and budget deficit concerns. The government has expressed sympathy for the protesters but has sent riot police to maintain order, leading to numerous injuries and arrests during the demonstrations.
In political discourse surrounding the protests, the government’s response has garnered mixed reactions. Regulatory measures were implemented following increased violence, including a temporary suspension of stun grenades after a protester was severely injured. Prominent political figures, such as far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, have voiced opinions on the protests, reflecting a polarized political landscape ahead of upcoming presidential elections.
As the protests continue, organizers and students are set to maintain momentum in their demand for better educational conditions, reflecting a growing movement advocating for systemic reforms within the French education system.
