Environmental activist Greta Thunberg joined a demonstration outside Paul Eluard High School in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, on Tuesday. The 23-year-old activist, widely known for her past climate change advocacy, stood with students protesting against the current state of France’s educational system. The gathering occurred as part of a broader, sustained wave of student-led unrest that has swept through high schools across the country since late September.
Speaking to AFP during the protest, Thunberg addressed the perceived exclusion of the younger generation from critical national dialogues. She stated, "Young people are not being included in the conversation. Our future is being robbed away from us." Her presence in Saint-Denis marked a high-profile moment in a movement that has increasingly occupied the streets of the French capital and its surrounding areas.
The nationwide demonstrations originated at a high school in Creteil last month, initially sparked by reports of staffing shortages. Since then, the movement has expanded significantly, evolving into a series of strikes, blockades, and rallies. According to reports, thousands of students have participated in the movement, with more than 70,000 protesters recorded on the streets as recently as last Thursday. The intensity of these events has resulted in the forced closure of hundreds of schools throughout France.
Students have highlighted a range of systemic grievances, primarily focusing on under-resourced schools and decaying infrastructure. Media coverage has documented several concerning conditions, including leaking roofs, collapsed ceilings, broken furniture, and the presence of vermin within school facilities. Beyond the physical state of the buildings, students have expressed frustration over a lack of adequate climate control, noting that classrooms often become excessively hot during summer heat waves and freezing during the winter months.
The academic environment is also a source of contention. Many students have voiced opposition to the current university entrance system and the pressures associated with extended school days, which can run from 8 am to 6 pm. These factors have converged to fuel a persistent protest movement, despite authorities expressing hope that the demonstrations would dissipate ahead of the scheduled half-term holidays.
The situation on the ground has frequently escalated into confrontations with law enforcement. Protests have been marked by students facing off against riot police, with some incidents involving the use of tear gas to disperse crowds. Reports indicate that the unrest has led to thousands of arrests and injuries, with some school buildings sustaining damage or being set ablaze during the clashes. In cities such as Marseille, students have utilized unconventional methods to block access to schools, including pushing large dumpsters in front of entrances.
As the protests continue, they have also attracted international political commentary. Figures such as Donald Trump have made claims regarding the underlying reasons for the unrest, pointing to topics like migration and religion. However, the core of the students' demands remains rooted in local school governance, staffing levels, and the quality of their educational environment. With the protests entering their second month, the focus remains on whether the government will address the specific demands regarding school resources and administrative reform.
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