On Thursday, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators swept through cities from Clermont‑Ferrand to Paris, demanding higher wages, tax reforms and better learning conditions for students, as France confronts a cost‑of‑living squeeze and prepares for a presidential election.
Authorities estimated that between 500,000 and 700,000 people would be on the streets nationwide, with as many as 80,000 expected to march in Paris from 2:00 pm (1300 GMT). The mobilisation follows the October 17 riots, the most severe unrest in years, and aligns with a high‑school student movement protesting poor educational conditions. Sylvie Larneury, a 61‑year‑old health‑care manager, told reporters, “We’re fed up. We’re not starving, but we have to help our children even though they’ve studied,” adding that the government appears “repressive and only defends its own interests.”
What are the protesters demanding?
Unions across the country are pressing for across‑the‑board wage increases, comprehensive tax reforms and improved school environments. They also criticised police restrictions that have limited the scope of earlier demonstrations. Martin Thiberge, a winegrower from Lyon, said, “We want to earn a dignified wage from our work.”
How are schools affected?
Dozens of high‑school students staged blockades in multiple cities, with the government reporting disruptions at 81 of the nation’s 3,700 secondary schools. A student association claimed that classes were suspended at roughly 1,000 schools, including both blocked and voluntarily closed institutions. The French Ministry of Education noted that about 16 % of teachers were on strike, and police deployed tear‑gas in Paris to prevent students from entering the Helene‑Boucher high school.
What impact has the strike had on transport?
Rail services experienced noticeable delays on Monday morning. A psychologist named Jeanne, travelling from Montparnasse station, described the inconvenience, saying, “It’s tedious to get up early, wait, and then see your train cancelled, but it’s understandable there’s a strike.”
How have police responded to the unrest?
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers and security personnel, promising an “extremely firm response” to any violent acts. While most protests remained peaceful, some escalated into clashes where officers used tear‑gas and water cannons. An investigation into an alleged attempted murder was opened after petrol bombs were thrown at officers in Paris on Saturday. Critics have labelled the police approach as heavy‑handed, and internal inquiries are underway following reports of brutality and injuries to teenage demonstrators.
Similar labour‑related protests have recently emerged in Denmark, Germany and Italy, reflecting a broader European wave of discontent over wages and living costs.