Protests Over Education Reform Escalate in France

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined student protests in France on Tuesday, amidst weeks of turmoil involving police confrontations, arrests, and school closures. The unrest centers on demands for education reform.

The 23-year-old Swedish activist stood outside a high school in Saint-Denis, near Paris. Students there call for more teachers, improved facilities, and shorter school hours. As reported by Reuters, more than 6,800 individuals have been detained since the protests began in September.

Protest actions have included setting fires, building barricades, and facing off with riot police, though many gatherings have remained peaceful. Thunberg, known for her climate change school strikes, criticized the French government’s handling of the protests as “extremely violent.” She expressed support for the youth fighting for their rights.

We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights, said Thunberg.

Data from the Interior Ministry indicated that approximately 161,500 people marched across France on Tuesday, with 41,500 in Paris alone. The Education Ministry reported 214 school closures.

The ongoing demonstrations have become a significant political issue as France approaches its presidential election next May. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon has criticized the government’s response as excessive. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen of the National Rally condemned protester violence and demanded accountability for the destruction of school property.

President Donald Trump commented on the situation, attributing it to mass migration rather than educational grievances. He wrote on Truth Social that the unrest is related to Islam’s influence in France.

A recent incident where a 15-year-old boy was injured by a police dispersal grenade in Lens has led to the suspension of such grenades by French authorities. In response, President Emmanuel Macron urged for measured dialogue.

Students have voiced complaints about poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and prolonged school hours that can extend from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is seeking solutions from ministers to address the students’ concerns.