Thunberg backs French protests over run-down schools

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined high school students protesting poor school conditions in Saint-Denis, France, demanding better funding and maintenance of aging facilities. Her participation has amplified the nationwide youth movement, which has drawn thousands to the streets and increased pressure on authorities to address educational infrastructure problems.

SAINT-DENIS, France — Climate activist Greta Thunberg showed her support on Tuesday for high school students protesting deteriorating school conditions across France, joining a demonstration outside Paul Éluard high school in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. The activism, now in its third week, centers on demands for improved funding and better maintenance of aging and neglected school facilities.

Thunberg, 23, took part in the protest alongside hundreds of students amid a strong police presence. Addressing the crowd, she praised their efforts, saying the young demonstrators are “fighting back” and reclaiming a future they feel has been compromised. She further noted that their actions have inspired youth movements beyond France’s borders.

The protest at Paul Éluard high school reflects broader grievances voiced by staff and students concerning dilapidated infrastructure, including reported rat infestations, inadequate heating, and overcrowding. These issues have fueled widespread mobilizations involving thousands of students nationwide.

According to the French Interior Ministry, approximately 161,500 people participated in demonstrations across the country on Tuesday, with around 41,500 taking to the streets in Paris alone. The protests have frequently resulted in confrontations with law enforcement, leading to mass arrests and numerous injuries. Despite these challenges and rising fatigue after weeks of sustained blockades and marches, the movement shows no signs of losing momentum.

The protests highlight ongoing concerns over public investment in education infrastructure and have drawn attention from both government officials and the public. Authorities have so far responded with a mixture of dialogue efforts and security measures, but demonstrators continue to demand concrete actions to address the state of the country’s schools.

Thunberg’s involvement was seen as a significant boost for the student movement, lending high-profile international attention to their campaign. Her presence underscored the intersection between educational concerns and broader youth activism in France, where many young people are increasingly vocal about social and environmental issues.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.