Politics · France · 1 day ago
17-year-old French student gains attention during school protests
Elwan is 17 and cannot vote yet.
During student protests in France, he spoke about public schools and the gap between central Paris and the suburbs.
A video of him was viewed more than 10 million times, and he later appeared on television.
His story has raised questions about whether young people have enough space in politics and the media.
Seventeen-year-old Elwan has drawn wide attention during student protests in France.
He spoke about public education, inequality between city centres and suburbs, social segregation and a lack of resources.
A video of his exchange with a far-right videomaker received more than 10 million views.
Elwan says he is independent of political parties and represents only himself.
He has called for media to give more space to young people from the banlieues and suburbs.
- Who
- Elwan, a 17-year-old student at Paris’s Lycée Jacques-Decour.
- What
- He gained attention for speaking about the reasons for student protests and inequalities between central and suburban areas.
- When
- During student protests described as taking place in the days before the article was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- Paris, including at Lycée Jacques-Decour and a demonstration.
- Why
- He spoke about public education, social segregation, inequality and a lack of resources.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Siamo noi la Francia, siamo noi il futuro … è d’accordo monsieur Lapierre?
colui che salverà la Francia
Far-right videomaker Vincent Lapierre questioned Elwan about the reasons for the protest, and their video surpassed 10 million views.
Elwan met French left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon at a demonstration in Paris.
Elwan appeared on LCI and discussed the protests with Louise Montangon, a student described as close to the National Rally.
- Age
- 17
- School
- Lycée Jacques-Decour, Paris
- Video views
- More than 10 million
- Demonstration
- Paris, October 6
- Television appearance
- LCI, the following day
Sources
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