Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined students protesting outside a high school in a working-class suburb of Paris on a day when French pupils demonstrated against poor learning conditions. This protest, now in its fourth week, addresses issues like teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating school facilities. The movement has seen marches, school blockades, and sometimes confrontations with police.
Thunberg expressed her support for the young protesters, emphasizing the need for them to take action on issues like education, climate change, and social injustice. Students gathered outside various schools in Paris and other cities, displaying signs and using megaphones. While many protests remained peaceful, some incidents of violence occurred, particularly in cities like Strasbourg and Nantes, where police and protesters clashed, resulting in the use of tear gas.
In Lyon, a planned march was halted due to vandalism by a group of individuals. Despite the tensions, some events, like a youth orchestra performance in front of Paris city hall, showcased a peaceful atmosphere. The education ministry reported that 214 schools were closed during the protests, a decrease from previous weeks, with the majority of high schools remaining open.
The French government has expressed understanding of the student grievances but is facing financial constraints that limit its ability to address these issues. The response to protests has led to injuries and arrests, prompting political leaders to take sides. Left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon criticized police actions and called for solidarity with the students, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen condemned the violence and advocated for accountability for those involved in damages. A bill is under consideration that would hold parents financially responsible for their children’s actions during protests.
With information from Reuters
