French students are taking to the streets for a fourth consecutive week of nationwide protests over poor school conditions. The demonstrations center on chronic teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and dilapidated buildings. High school student unions, supported by university students, labor unions, and some left-wing opposition parties, are demanding that the government invest in fixing these issues to ensure better learning conditions.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined the protesters outside the Lycée Paul Éluard in Saint-Denis, a working-class suburb of Paris. Thunberg, 23, told reporters that young people are not being included in the conversation. Her presence has increased the visibility of the movement as pupils continue to press for systemic changes.
The mobilizations have resulted in school blockades and reports of around 200 closed schools. While the movement continues to grow, authorities have warned that violence is intensifying, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police.
Students say they remain determined to force the government to address their grievances, specifically citing the problem of too many absent teachers and deteriorating facilities.