Greta Thunberg Joins French Student Protests, Criticizes Police Response
The climate activist appeared at a high school north of Paris amid ongoing demonstrations over education reform.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined student protesters in France on Tuesday, weeks into a wave of demonstrations that have led to thousands of arrests and widespread school closures over demands for education reform.
Thunberg, 23, was seen outside a high school in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, where students are demanding more teachers, better facilities, and shorter school days. Since the protests began in September, French authorities have reported over 6,800 detentions. Demonstrators have engaged in confrontations with riot police, setting fires and erecting barricades in various cities, though many protests have remained peaceful.
Thunberg, who gained international recognition for organizing school strikes over climate change, criticized the French government's handling of the demonstrations. "We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights," she told reporters, according to Reuters. Thunberg also described the police response as "extremely violent."
On Tuesday, approximately 161,500 people marched across France, with 41,500 in Paris, according to Interior Ministry figures. The Education Ministry reported 214 schools were closed.
The demonstrations have become a political focal point ahead of France's presidential election. Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation via Truth Social on October 6, attributing the unrest to mass migration rather than education concerns. "What’s happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This isn’t about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!" Trump wrote.
Far-left presidential hopeful Jean-Luc Mélenchon has accused the government of using excessive force against young protesters and joined demonstrators in Paris on Tuesday. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, has condemned the violence and called for those responsible for property damage to cover repair costs.
The police response has faced scrutiny, particularly after an incident in Lens where a 15-year-old boy reportedly lost his hand and part of his forearm after picking up a police dispersal grenade that detonated. French authorities have since suspended the use of that particular type of stun grenade.
President Emmanuel Macron has urged restraint and dialogue as the protests continue. Students have raised concerns about deteriorating school infrastructure, teacher shortages, and lengthy school days. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has instructed ministers to address the protesters' demands.