Greta Thunberg Joins French Students Protesting School Conditions

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined French students at a demonstration in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on Tuesday as nationwide protests over poor school conditions entered their fourth week. Students are demanding action on teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school facilities. The movement has spread across France, involving marches and blockades at hundreds of schools, with some demonstrations resulting in clashes with police.

Thunberg expressed support for the students, saying young people around the world were following their demands for better conditions and basic rights. She also criticised the police response to the demonstrations. French Education Minister Edouard Geffray said around 200 schools were closed, although some closures were precautionary measures linked to planned marches. Police have used tear gas during several confrontations, while the government suspended the use of stun grenades last week after a teenager lost a hand.

The protests are adding to political tensions in France ahead of a presidential election expected in six months. While left-wing politicians have criticised the police response, far-right figures have highlighted damage to schools and injuries to staff and officers. The government has pledged to address students’ concerns but faces financial constraints amid rising public debt and borrowing costs, limiting its ability to increase education spending.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright