Greta Thunberg joins French pupils protesting school conditions

The Swedish activist appeared outside a Saint-Denis high school on October 13 as pupils staged another day of demonstrations over teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities.

At Paul Éluard high school, north of Paris, Thunberg urged wider support for pupils demanding better education. Reuters and AFP reported her appearance and comments. She also criticised the police response to the protest movement.

Demonstrations began in late September and have included school blockades and marches. Students have complained about missing teachers, overcrowded schedules and buildings in poor condition. Further marches were planned in Paris and other cities on Tuesday.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray told France Inter that around 200 schools were closed that morning. Some had shut as a precaution because they stood along planned march routes. The figure described closures, rather than a count of schools occupied by protesters.