Tens of thousands of union workers, including teachers, transport employees, and government staff, conducted a nationwide walkout and protests across France on Thursday. The participants demonstrated against low wages and the rising cost of living, leading to nearly 200 rallies throughout the country.
The protests began in late September as student-led demonstrations in Paris focused on school conditions, teacher shortages, and infrastructure issues. These actions expanded into a wider movement that local surveys indicate is supported by nearly six in 10 people in France. Previous demonstrations resulted in curfews in several cities and thousands of arrests following instances of vandalism and clashes with police.
The General Confederation of Labour (GCL), a major French union, reported that approximately 1.6 million people participated in the Thursday rallies. However, France’s Interior Ministry estimated the turnout at roughly 600,000. While many events remained peaceful, some escalated into violence; protesters burned a car in Lyon and objects in Paris, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse crowds.
For the average household, these protests manifest as a challenge to the current economic environment where salaries are reportedly insufficient to cover basic living expenses. Several protesters told CBS News they want the French government to reduce military and law enforcement spending to provide more funding for social services. These changes, if adopted, would impact the funding of schools, infrastructure, and public benefits.
The ongoing unrest has created a deadlock between labor unions and the administration of President Emmanuel Macron. While Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday called for a meeting with union leaders to address these grievances, the GCL has maintained its pressure with another round of protests scheduled for Saturday. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the future of French economic policy and whether the country will face further service shutdowns.