French basketball star Victor Wembanyama has offered his support to teenagers protesting school conditions in France. On Thursday, 71,500 people joined demonstrations, with 24,500 gathering in central Paris at Place de la Bastille, according to official figures from the Interior Ministry.
Wembanyama stated at a press conference on Thursday night, "These are systemic inequalities – problems so deep-rooted that, in fact, I'm glad that high-school students and young people in general are speaking up." He added, "I hear them, and I support them, and I hope the people all over there will do the same." The San Antonio Spurs player previously indicated on Instagram that he "would love to" join the protests.
The protests, which began last month in high schools in Paris' northern suburbs, have grown into a national movement opposing inequality, weak public spending, and declining standards. Earlier this week, riot police reportedly used tear gas and water cannon during clashes with protesters.