French Student Protests Swell as Greta Thunberg Joins

· Politics · France

Tens of thousands rallied across France on Tuesday in support of protesting high school students, with unions putting turnout at 480,000 and the interior ministry at 161,500, more than double the previous week. Demonstrators demand investment to fix teacher shortages and crumbling schools, and denounce alleged police violence. The protests, now in their third week, saw students blockade schools with dumpsters in Paris and marches in Lille and Marseille. Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the teenagers, calling for wider support.

Why it matters：The movement tests President Macron's government as it faces a youth crisis of hope and a looming cost-of-living backlash.

Key points

  • Unions said 480,000 people demonstrated; the interior ministry put the figure at 161,500.
  • Students blocked schools in Paris and marched in Lille and Marseille.
  • Greta Thunberg joined the protests, saying students deserved wider support.

Sources (original reporting)

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