Greta Thunberg Joins French Student Protests as Over 6,800 Detained Nationwide Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg rallied with students outside a high school in Saint-Denis, near Paris, as nationwide protests over education reform continue. More than 6,800 people have been detained since demonstrations began in September. Greta Thunberg joined student protesters in France on Tuesday, appearing outside a high school in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, as nationwide demonstrations over education reform continue. More than 6,800 people have been detained since the protests began in September, according to French authorities. The 23-year-old Swedish activist rallied alongside students demanding more teachers, better facilities and shorter school days. We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights, Thunberg told reporters, according to Reuters. She also described the police response as extremely violent.Thousands March in France as Schools Close Amid Reform ProtestsAbout 161,500 people marched across France on Tuesday, including 41,500 in Paris, according to Interior Ministry figures. The Education Ministry said 214 schools were closed, while more than 400 schools had remained closed following earlier days of protests that escalated into violence in some places. Demonstrators have set fires, erected barricades and confronted riot police in cities across France, although many protests have remained peaceful.Over the last few weeks, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to streets throughout the country to protest education inequality, overcrowded schools, and low resources. A 15-year-old boy lost his hand and part of his lower arm after picking up a police dispersal grenade that detonated during a demonstration in Lens. French authorities subsequently suspended the use of the type of stun grenade involved in the incident.President Donald Trump weighed in on the turmoil last week, blaming mass migration rather than complaints about education. What is happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This is not about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Oct. 6. Left-wing figure Jean-Luc Melenchon joined demonstrators in Paris on Tuesday.Political Reactions to French Education Protests: Blame and Calls for ActionRight-wing National Rally leader Marine Le Pen has condemned violence by protesters and called for those responsible for damaging schools to pay for repairs. Students have complained about deteriorating buildings, teacher shortages and school days that can stretch from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked ministers to address their demands. Thunberg praised the students for leading by example.Her appearance in Saint-Denis came as demonstrations over classroom conditions spread across France, with clashes erupting in several cities. The protests have entered their fourth week. French high school students have gathered outside schools including the Lycee Voltaire high school in Paris as part of nationwide protests to demand the hiring of substitute teachers, increased resources and better learning conditions. Authorities have reported thousands of arrests since September.The unrest has prompted widespread school closures and drawn responses from political leaders across the spectrum as France grapples with demands for education reform. Fox News Digital's Greg Norman-Diamond contributed to this report.