Nearly 600,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Thursday, protesting over rising living costs, stagnant wages and deteriorating public services in a fresh challenge to President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
The nationwide action, involving public sector workers, students and pensioners, remained largely peaceful, although clashes between protesters and police were reported in Paris and Lyon.
The Interior Ministry estimated that 575,000 people joined the demonstrations, while the CGT trade union, one of the main organisers, put the figure at 1.6 million.
The protests brought together people from different generations and professions, with many expressing frustration over wages failing to keep pace with inflation and concerns about the future of public services.
“Our pay has not kept up with inflation,” said Mehdi Dumontroty, a 45-year-old firefighter who joined the Paris march.
Student Alice Martinovic, 18, said young people wanted their concerns to be reflected in the upcoming elections.
“I hope in the upcoming elections the candidates will really think about this movement and include the opinions of young people, of students,” she said.
Several prominent political figures also joined the demonstrations, including presidential hopefuls Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann.
In Paris, the demonstrations initially took on a festive atmosphere, with crowds singing the national anthem and colourful floats accompanying the march.
However, tensions escalated later with clashes, prompting police to fire tear gas. Similar confrontations were reported in Lyon.
The Interior Ministry said 53 police officers were injured and 448 people arrested nationwide. Around 70,000 officers had been deployed to maintain order.
Authorities also reported damage to several schools, while a fire broke out at a high school in Toulouse after fireworks were thrown.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray condemned the incident, describing the behaviour as “an absolute scandal”.
The demonstrations come amid growing political uncertainty, with a presidential election approaching in five months. French President Emmanuel Macron cannot seek another term, leaving his government under increasing pressure to address public dissatisfaction.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is due to meet trade unions and employers' representatives on Monday (9 November) to discuss wages and the cost of living.
CGT leader Sophie Binet accused the government of trying to restrict protests but insisted the demonstrations had only grown stronger.
“The demonstrations are bigger than ever,” she said.
With workers and students continuing to demand change, the latest unrest presents another major test for Macron’s government as France approaches a crucial election period.
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