“We know what we do, we know what we say”, defend Lyon students who contest any political exploitation

While the movement in support of the Palestinian people started at Sciences Po Paris extends to regional IEPs, 200 students gathered in Lyon and defend a spontaneous movement.

The mobilization of students to defend Palestine continues to expand little by little. This mobilization on French campuses, which really started last week, echoes the protests agitating prestigious American universities, including Columbia, a building of which was occupied, provoking a lively political debate across the Atlantic.

In France, gatherings and actions have been recorded, notably in Paris, Rennes, Strasbourg, Menton and Saint-Etienne. In Lyon, nearly 200 students gathered on Tuesday April 30 in the afternoon to show their support for Gaza.

They speak of a spontaneous movement for the Palestinian cause and do not claim to belong to any party, while nevertheless recognizing the influence of France Insoumise. “I am not an LFI activist, nor a sympathizer or anything, I am not included. I do not believe that it is summed up in a political entity or a political profile, even if LFI carries this word today and allows many Sciences Po students to be heard”specifies this student met by franceinfo.

“Not influenced by anyone”

“There are inevitably left-right tendencies which are very strong, but then that’s what also characterizes the university, the politicization, everyone is looking for each other. I don’t think in any case that this is a favorable climate to recovery or instrumentalization”testifies another student.

Alongside the students at Sciences Po, a few retirees and Bassem, an educator wearing a keffiyeh. “Youth is where it comes from, it’s the future! We have our say completely. And contrary to what politicians say, they are well-thought-out people, everyone has their heads We know what we do, we know what we say, we are not influenced by anyone.”he defends.

Another demonstration brought together around sixty people in front of Lyon 3 University. Thursday May 2, students plan to block Sciences Po in Lyon.