Brief
Greta Thunberg joins French student protests as demonstrations swell
The climate activist stood with French pupils demanding more teachers and better facilities amid a wave of arrests and school closures.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg attended a protest outside a high school in Saint‑Denis, north of Paris, on Tuesday, joining students demanding more teachers, better facilities and shorter school days, according to Reuters.
Police reports indicate that about 161,500 people marched across France on the same day, including roughly 41,500 in Paris. The Interior Ministry said 214 schools were closed nationwide. Since the protests began in September, French authorities have detained more than 6,800 individuals.
Thunberg, who first gained prominence for school‑strike actions on climate change, told reporters that the French police response was "extremely violent" and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, saying, "We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights." The quote was attributed to Reuters.
The protests have featured fires, barricades and confrontations with riot police in several cities, though many demonstrations remained peaceful. Far‑left presidential candidate Jean‑Luc Mélenchon joined demonstrators in Paris, while right‑wing leader Marine Le Pen condemned the violence and called for reparations for damaged schools. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the unrest, attributing it to mass migration rather than education issues.
These demonstrations occur ahead of France’s presidential election scheduled for May 2027, making the education reform dispute a prominent political flashpoint.
Key facts
- Greta Thunberg appeared at a Saint‑Denis high school protest on Oct. 13, 2026. (foxnews.com)
- Around 161,500 people marched across France that day, with 41,500 in Paris. (foxnews.com)
- French authorities have detained more than 6,800 protesters since September. (foxnews.com)
- The Interior Ministry reported 214 schools closed on the day of the protest. (foxnews.com)
- Thunberg described the police response as "extremely violent" and praised the students. (foxnews.com)
Sources
- [1] foxnews.com — originally reported as “Greta Thunberg joins massive French student protests as cars burn, police fire tear gas”
