Greta Thunberg Joins French School Protests Amid Foreign Interference Warnings
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined ongoing student protests in France against school conditions, which have involved clashes with police and thousands of arrests. Critics view the demonstrations as a political campaign by the left ahead of presidential elections. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned of foreign interference in the elections, naming Elon Musk and an "Israeli company" among potential actors. He vowed zero tolerance for any foreign meddling, citing it as a matter of national sovereignty.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Greta Thunberg joined French student protests against school conditions, which have seen thousands arrested and schools damaged.
- Critics allege the protests are a political campaign by the left to destabilize France before presidential elections.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned of foreign interference in the upcoming presidential elections.
- Barrot cited Elon Musk and an "Israeli company" as potential actors in foreign interference efforts.
- Over a thousand police, educators, and students have been injured during the protests.
- 214 schools remained closed on Tuesday due to the ongoing demonstrations.
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg joined mass protests in France on Tuesday, October 13, which have been ongoing for weeks. Protesters have frequently blocked school entrances, leading to confrontations with police who have used tear gas and stun grenades. Over a thousand police, educators, and students have been injured, with some suffering severe trauma, including loss of an eye and amputation of a hand.
Critics argue the protests are not spontaneous but a political campaign by the left, particularly the "La France Insoumise" party led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, aiming to sow chaos before next year's presidential elections. Mélenchon, who polls suggest could reach the second round against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, has sharply criticized police actions and accused media of downplaying police brutality. Le Pen, meanwhile, has called for those responsible for damages to pay for repairs, a measure the government is considering.
Amidst the unrest, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned of foreign attempts to interfere in the upcoming presidential elections. He specifically cited billionaire Elon Musk and an "Israeli company" as potential actors, alleging they exploit societal divisions and use issues like immigration and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to incite hatred. Barrot mentioned an Israeli company, seemingly BlackCore, accused of using fake social media accounts to stage artificial clashes around the Palestinian issue. He also pointed to Musk's online campaigns against European leaders and cited "hostile information narratives" from Russia, China, Iran, and the MAGA movement, indirectly referencing former US President Donald Trump's comments on the protests.
Barrot emphasized France's resolve to counter such interference, stating, "We will not tolerate any foreign interference, no matter where it comes from.
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