Tens of thousands strike across France as unions demand higher wages
Unions say about 260 protests were planned nationwide, with schools closed, public transport disrupted and the Eiffel Tower shut for the day.
At a glance
- Tens of thousands of trade union members joined strikes and demonstrations across France on Thursday.
- Unions said about 260 protests were planned nationwide, with major marches in Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
- About a third of high schools were closed, public transport was disrupted and the Eiffel Tower shut.
Tens of thousands of trade union members joined strikes and demonstrations across France on Thursday, demanding higher wages and backing a growing high school protest movement, in a nationwide show of pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government.
Trade unions said around 260 protests were planned across the country. Major marches were held in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities, after more than a month of recurring rallies over the rising cost of living.
Schools and transport hit
The action spread into education. About a third of France's high schools were closed or unable to operate normally, either because students set up blockades or because teachers walked off the job.
Public transport services were heavily disrupted, and the Eiffel Tower was shut for the day. In the northeastern city of Strasbourg, police urged residents to exercise "extreme caution" near certain schools amid tensions.
Festive mood at Place de la Republique
In Paris, the atmosphere at Place de la Republique was largely festive despite a heavy security presence. The gathering followed earlier protests on October 17 that were marred by rioting and looting.
Protesters assembled under trade union banners as hundreds of musicians played brass, string and percussion instruments, accompanied by choirs. The performance turned the square into a noisy, colourful focal point of dissent over France's mounting economic woes.
Thursday's turnout reflects the breadth of the unions' campaign, which has combined wage demands with support for student protesters and repeated criticism of the government's handling of living costs. With demonstrations now stretching over more than a month, the strikes represent one of the clearest recent tests of public patience with Macron's administration.
Unions have framed the mobilisation around pay and economic hardship, while the school blockades have added a younger layer to a movement that has so far drawn mainly on organised labour. The closure of roughly one in three high schools, combined with disruption to rail, bus and other public transport, gave the day a nationwide reach rather than a single-city focus.
Police maintained a visible presence at the main Paris rally, where organisers were keen to avoid a repeat of the disorder seen at the October 17 demonstrations. No further details of arrests or injuries were given in the source report.
Source: Al Jazeera.
Questions and answers
- Why are protests happening in France?
- Trade unions are demanding higher wages and backing a growing high school protest movement, after more than a month of recurring rallies over the rising cost of living.
- How many protests were planned across France?
- Unions said about 260 protests were planned nationwide, with major marches held in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities.
- Was the Paris demonstration violent?
- The atmosphere at Place de la Republique was largely festive despite a heavy security presence, after earlier protests on October 17 were marred by rioting and looting.
