French Students Hold Fresh Protests; Greta Thunberg Joins Demonstrations
PARIS: Thousands of students staged renewed protests across France on Tuesday, demanding better learning conditions, more teachers and increased education funding. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined demonstrators outside the Paul Eluard High School in Saint-Denis, north of Paris.According to the Interior Ministry, 30,000 people attended 360 gatherings outside schools in the morning, while 21,000…
PARIS: Thousands of students staged renewed protests across France on Tuesday, demanding better learning conditions, more teachers and increased education funding. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined demonstrators outside the Paul Eluard High School in Saint-Denis, north of Paris.
According to the Interior Ministry, 30,000 people attended 360 gatherings outside schools in the morning, while 21,000 took part in marches by midday. The Higher Education Ministry said 35 per cent of institutions faced disruption due to blockades, occupations or administrative closures.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said around 200 schools were closed, though the figure was lower than during last week’s protests. Students held marches and blocked schools in Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Strasbourg and Nantes, among other cities.
Clashes broke out between police and protesters at several locations, with riot police firing tear gas. France’s Human Rights League said it had received nearly 100 complaints of alleged police violence, while police have opened investigations into multiple allegations.
Thunberg condemned the police response, saying law-enforcement agencies should protect young demonstrators. President Emmanuel Macron urged protesters to remain calm and respect people and property
