French students resume nationwide protests / Greta Thunberg joins them

French students organized another day of nationwide mobilization on Tuesday, dissatisfied with the concessions announced by the authorities and the lack of sufficient investment in education. The young protesters say they have received “only crumbs” and are calling for meetings with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Education Minister Édouard Geffray.

Student representatives are requesting an additional €10 million to renovate and modernize high schools. On Monday evening, President Emmanuel Macron called on protesters to demonstrate “calmly, orderly and with respect for both people and property.”

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg also took part in the demonstrations, appearing outside the Paul-Éluard High School in Saint-Denis, one of the movement’s centers. She criticized the lack of dialogue with young people and the underfunding of schools.

The protests had previously been marked by clashes with law enforcement. The authorities suspended the use of stun grenades after a teenager sustained injuries so severe that one of his hands had to be amputated. Damage is estimated at at least €30 million, while more than 6,800 people have been detained, 86% of them minors. Approximately 20 lawyers were present at the demonstrations to monitor the police response.