Greta Thunberg joins French student protests over poor school conditions

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined protesters outside a blockaded high school near Paris on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Students, unions, and opposition groups are staging fresh nationwide demonstrations across France over poor school conditions, including dilapidation and a lack of teachers. France 24 and Cedar News both reported on her presence at the demonstrations. [1][2]

Demonstrators blocked entrances to schools, including the Lycée Montaigne in the 6th district of Paris. France 24 reported that French authorities have warned that violence is intensifying during the rallies, even though the number of total school closures has declined. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, student demonstrations across France began on September 21, 2026, and previously closed up to 500 high schools. The protests prompted French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to deliver a televised address promising action, while the French government announced the deployment of 3,000 supply teachers to understaffed schools. [6][7]

Thunberg gained global attention in 2018 at age 15 after launching a solo school strike outside the Swedish parliament. She is known for pressuring governments on social issues and climate change, inspiring the worldwide Fridays for Future movement and earning selection as Time magazine Person of the Year in 2019. [3][5]