Greta Thunberg shows up to protest in France over 'basic rights,' laments her own 'privilege'

Climate activist turned Palestinian activist Greta Thunberg is now in France demonstrating for what she calls "basic rights." Protests have been popping off in France over the past few weeks with violence, arson, and thousands of arrests. The stated reason has been over funding for education as the nation, a welfare state, struggles with the potential of looming bankruptcy.

"I came here to be here and support the students who are protesting to protect their basic rights," Thunberg said. "And the whole world is watching for these students who are fighting back, reclaiming their future that has been taken away from them, and we're also seeing this spreading across the country and internationally as well," Thunberg said, joining the protests in the Saint-Denis area.

The rioting began in the neighborhood of Creteil and spread to Saint-Denis, home to mostly Muslim North African migrants and their children, before overtaking the rest of the country. They have even spilled over into Belgium. The demonstrations are likely to upend the presidential elections, as agitators throw fireworks at police who counter with tear gas. What began as student protests have evolved to include unions and teachers as well. Complaints over education include vermin, lack of air conditioning, and other concerns.

"Young people looking for this as an example," Thunberg said, "and many people here, especially the young people, are told that you're just problematic, you're just causing trouble, and you don't really know what you're doing, which are narratives defined by extremely racist media and politicians."

"So we also want to show that the international community sees these students," she went on, "and they are leading by example. I mean, this generation is one that has been growing up with a sense of hopelessness for the future, when we can see our future and our rights taken from us in front of our very eyes, and like, what do they expect? Of course, people are going to fight back. That is one thing that Gen Z has proven, that is, we are not going to give up without a fight."

Thunberg made her name in activism by going on a school strike over climate change, then traveling around the world to speak about the issue. After that, she joined the anti-Israel movement and is now rarely seen with a keffiyeh, a Palestinian scarf.

"They don't need me at all. But I do believe that we all have a duty to stand up and stand in solidarity with these struggles wherever they're happening. I am an extremely privileged person. I am a white person from Sweden. I am very much part of this very destructive system that systematically benefits people like me. And if I choose to stay silent, knowing that I choose the side of the oppressor."