Thunberg Joins Paris Students Protesting School Crisis

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined high school students in Saint-Denis, Paris, as French pupils protested teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating school buildings. The demonstrations are part of nationwide action calling for greater investment in education.

Thunberg, 23, appeared outside Lycée Paul Éluard, where students were gathering amid a wider protest movement that has entered its third week. She said young people were being excluded from decisions affecting their future.

"Young people are not being included in the conversation," said Greta Thunberg, Swedish climate activist.

Thunberg also criticized the lack of funding for schools as lawyers in their robes formed a human chain to protect pupils after allegations of police brutality during protests.

"Our future is being stolen from us and, as we have seen here, schools are not getting the investment they need," said Greta Thunberg, Swedish climate activist.

The protests have received support from unions, some teachers and left-wing opposition politicians. Interior ministry figures cited by the Guardian showed marches drew more than 260,000 people last Tuesday and 75,000 on Thursday.

The university students’ union UE said many members were demonstrating in solidarity, while around 90% of France’s universities were disrupted on Tuesday, according to the report.

"They’re not listening to us, so we’re going to them," said UE, the university students’ union.

Education minister Édouard Geffray said 3,000 substitute teachers were being deployed to schools facing the most severe shortages. He expected about 200 of France’s 3,700 high schools to be completely closed on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for restraint as officials reported more than 6,800 people, mainly minors, had been detained during the protests. The justice ministry said about 1,500 people were being prosecuted.

"The issues deserve time, consultations, discussion and respect," said Emmanuel Macron, French president.

Rights groups and students have accused police of excessive force, while authorities said 24 allegations of police brutality were under investigation. More than 200 teenagers, 100 school staff and 700 police officers were reported injured.

Opposition figures have responded to the demonstrations ahead of the presidential election to replace Macron. Jean-Luc Mélenchon praised protesters while criticizing police actions.

"Incredible," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, radical-left opposition politician.