A huge wave of agitation is sweeping across France. Unions have called nationwide strikes on Thursday (Nov 5), linking up with ongoing student actions that have gripped the country for weeks.
The youth movement started over dismal learning conditions but soon merged with public fury over rising living costs and inequality. This frustration boiled over on Oct 17, triggering France's worst rioting in years.
Unions and Workers Join the Fray
Education unions from both public and private sectors, rail workers, postal services, and public hospital staff are taking strike action. Officials expect between 500,000 and 700,000 protesters nationwide, including up to 80,000 marching in Paris alone.
Union leaders are pressing the government and employers for broad wage increases, tax reforms, and improved conditions for students. They also want a boost to the minimum wage, which has not seen a discretionary increase since 2012.
“It's going to be a strong mobilisation,”Marylise Leon of the CFDT union
High Security and Route Bans
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 police officers and security personnel will be stationed across the country, warning of a very firm response against violence or disorder.
Tensions remain high following clashes where tear gas and water cannons were used, leaving several teenage protesters seriously wounded and thousands arrested. In Paris, authorities blocked a planned march between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Concorde, rerouting it away from the city centre despite objections from unions.
