Greta Thunberg arrived at Paul Eluard high school in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, on Tuesday morning to join French student protests advocating for improved conditions in education facilities. The protests, which began in late September, have seen students demanding better school infrastructure, more teachers, and addressing overcrowded class schedules. Thunberg stated, "Young people are not being included in the conversation. Our future is being robbed away from us," according to the AFP news agency.
In response to allegations of police brutality during demonstrations, lawyers in robes formed a human chain to protect the students. Last Thursday, over 70,000 people participated in the latest major protest event across the country. The current demonstrations are supported by unions and the left-wing opposition party, France Unbowed, and are expected to include a march through Paris and in other cities.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported on France Inter that approximately 200 schools were closed, which was fewer than the previous week, and some closures were implemented to prevent damage during protests. The Ministry of National Education noted that eight teaching staff members were injured on Monday, primarily in the Paris region and in Bordeaux and Lyon.
A 19-year-old graphic design student named Leo expressed to AFP that students feel unheard by authorities. He remarked on the unprecedented level of repression faced by the student movement. Following the demonstrations on Tuesday, larger public rallies against the rising cost of living are planned for Saturday. French President Emmanuel Macron urged protesters to exercise restraint, stating, "These are issues that deserve time, consultations, discussion and respect." The Ministry of Justice reported that over 6,800 individuals, mostly minors, have been taken into police custody during the protests, and investigations are underway regarding 24 allegations of brutality against demonstrators.