Greta Thunberg, never one to shy away from a public gathering, appeared outside Paris on Tuesday morning to join ongoing leftist protests that are sweeping through France.
According to reports, the Swedish activist was seen participating in a blockade at a high school near the capital, which, as authorities noted, helped “boost the movement’s visibility” even amidst rising tensions, despite a decrease in school closures.
Sporting her signature keffiyeh, the 23-year-old addressed journalists in Saint-Denis, where over a hundred students had gathered early in the day to obstruct access to the school.
Thunberg’s small stature stood out as she paused for selfies with fans, smiling and adopting a somewhat bashful demeanor in front of the eager media present.
“Young people are not included in these conversations. Our future is being taken from us and, as we can see, schools are not getting the funding they require,” she expressed, highlighting her concerns.
“So, should we just give up? Absolutely not. That’s exactly what people here are saying: we won’t concede defeat; we will fight for the future that is being taken from us,” she further asserted, sharing her pride in the French students’ efforts.
On Tuesday, a multitude of people—primarily high schoolers, university students, and educators—were marching across various towns and cities in France as the movement entered its fifth round of demonstrations.
As reported, roughly 2,376 individuals are currently facing charges related to the violent protests that have erupted across the nation, with 65 percent already having been summoned before a judge.
Authorities indicated that 21 individuals, consisting of 15 adults and 6 minors, have been taken into custody.
Furthermore, the Élysée Palace has reportedly stated that the riots spurred by leftist groups have cost the country “at least 30 million euros” (around $33 million) since the unrest began in mid-September.
