Omar Sy has expressed support for French high school students protesting over education conditions, urging those in authority to listen to their concerns. Speaking to France Inter, the Lupin actor criticised what he described as a punitive response to young demonstrators.
His comments come as the movement draws support beyond schools, with teachers, university students and trade unions joining demonstrations.
Omar Sy Says French Student Protests Deserve Attention
During his radio interview, Sy described the student movement as a hopeful sign from a generation concerned about its future. He argued that young people have ideas about the country they will inherit and should have an opportunity to explain them.
The actor questioned why adults appeared more willing to reprimand students than engage with their demands. He also criticised attempts to silence protesters or encourage divisions between them.
A Call for Adults to Listen
Sy framed the issue as a responsibility shared by political leaders, parents and other adults. In his view, expecting young people to resolve disagreements without first hearing their concerns overlooks the reasons behind their mobilisation.
His central message was that dialogue should come before punishment.
Why Are Students Protesting in France?
According to the supplied report, the demonstrations began gathering momentum in late September following complaints about staff shortages and deteriorating school buildings.
The report also linked the unrest to broader concerns about living costs, employment prospects and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs.
Education Concerns Draw Wider Support
What began as a high school movement has attracted teachers, higher education students and trade unions. Supporters of the yellow vest movement were also expected to join a planned nationwide demonstration.
The report cited serious consequences during the unrest, including a teenager losing a hand and more than 6,000 young people being taken into temporary police custody. These reported incidents form part of the context surrounding criticism of the authorities’ response.
Lupin Actor Discusses Tensions in France and the United States
Sy’s interview formed part of his promotional appearances ahead of the reported October 23 launch of Lupin’s fourth instalment on Netflix.
The actor, who gained international recognition through the 2011 comedy-drama The Intouchables, also discussed living in the United States while maintaining close ties with France.
Asked about changes in American society, Sy said the country remained his home, although he believed its social climate had become harsher. He described similar tensions in France, pointing to hostility, withdrawal and xenophobia as problems extending beyond any single country.
Vincent Lindon Also Voices Support for Students
Fellow French actor Vincent Lindon has also spoken in favour of the movement. During a separate France Inter interview connected with his role as Jean Valjean in an upcoming adaptation of Les Misérables, he focused on students’ demands for basic resources.
Lindon contrasted the current protests with those of May 1968. He characterised today’s concerns as a struggle for necessities, including adequate seating, working toilets and a fairer distribution of educational opportunities.
Both actors’ comments place attention on the conditions students face