18.10.2026 11:40
French actor Omar Sy voiced support for student protests in France, saying, “These are our children.” Sy’s statement criticizing the authorities’ approach to the demonstrations drew attention as protests, also joined by the Yellow Vests, continued.
Famous actor Omar Sy supported student protests organized against inadequate conditions in schools in the country. Criticizing the authorities' approach to the demonstrations, Sy said that young people's demands must be listened to.
In France, students have been protesting for weeks against staff shortages in schools, neglected buildings and inadequate conditions. Actor Omar Sy, known for the film "The Intouchables" and the series "Lupin", also made assessments about the demonstrations on the program he attended on France Inter radio.
Stating that the students' demands concern the future of the country, Sy said, "These are our children; the future of our country is addressing a nation that has completely gone off the rails."
HE CRITICIZED THE ATTITUDE OF THE AUTHORITIES
Also condemning the violence around the demonstrations, Sy argued that instead of responding to the young people, the authorities were trying to suppress their voices. The famous actor said, "When I see that there is no response to this, that the first reflex is to prevent them from speaking, to beat them or to turn them against each other, I find this outrageous."
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS FROM CELEBRITIES
Among those supporting the students' protests are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, NBA star Victor Wembanyama, singer Louane and actor Vincent Lindon. Thunberg met with students in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, and supported their demands.
In the demonstrations held across France on October 17, the student protests merged with the protests of the Yellow Vests and trade unions reacting to the rising cost of living. A representative speaking on behalf of the Yellow Vests said that they had joined the actions to support the students.