Brief
Greta Thunberg backs French high‑school protests as thousands march
The climate activist appeared at a Saint‑Denis high school while police used tear gas and water cannons across France.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Greta Thunberg appeared on Tuesday outside Paul Éluard high school in Saint‑Denis, north of Paris, to support hundreds of French teenagers protesting the condition of their schools, according to the Independent.
What happened
Police deployed tear‑gas canisters, water cannons and repeated charges to disperse the crowd after violence flared on the fringes of the Paris marches. The Interior Ministry estimated that 161,500 people took part in demonstrations across France that day, including 41,500 in Paris. The Education Ministry said fewer schools were closed on Tuesday, but the number of staff injuries since the protests began in mid‑September rose to 147, and hundreds of police officers were also reported wounded.
What the reports add
The Independent noted that the protests have spread beyond France, resonating in Belgium, Italy, Germany, Spain and Latin America. German students are planning an international youth strike on 20 November in solidarity, while Italian cities have seen smaller‑scale demonstrations focused on broader grievances.
What was said
Thunberg told the Associated Press, “the whole world is watching with awe,” and described French pupils as “fighting back, reclaiming their future that has been taken away from them.” She added, “The international community sees these students and they’re leading by example.” In a separate remark reported by Reuters, she said, “These movements are connected in one way or another. We are fighting against the same system.”
How it came about
Student protests began in mid‑September over dilapidated facilities, rat infestations and staffing shortages in French high schools. Earlier Felo coverage reported that the movement grew to involve over 600 schools and sparked a wave of arrests and school closures. The government of outgoing President Emmanuel Macron has argued that the momentum is waning, while the Education Ministry continues to document injuries among staff and police.
Key facts
- Greta Thunberg joined French high‑school protesters at Paul Éluard high school in Saint‑Denis. (independent.co.uk)
- The Interior Ministry estimated 161,500 demonstrators nationwide, including 41,500 in Paris. (independent.co.uk)
- Police used tear gas, water cannons and repeated charges to disperse the protest. (independent.co.uk)
- Since mid‑September, 147 school staff and hundreds of police officers have been reported injured. (independent.co.uk)
- Thunberg said the protests are inspiring youth movements in other countries, including planned strikes in Germany. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Greta Thunberg joins hundreds of French teens protesting over run-down schools”
