Massive protests, general strikes sweep across France

Massive demonstration on the Place de la République in Paris, Nov. 5 -- image via news video screenshot

Various Sources

Hundreds of thousands of people across France marched to demand higher wages, better public services, and support for student movements on Thursday, November 5.

The demonstrations and strikes on Thursday drew over 600,000 people, according to France’s Interior Ministry, while unions such as the national CGT said that there were actually nearly 1.6 million participants nationwide. Protesters included students, workers, retirees, and members of major unions, all united by concerns over rising living costs, wage stagnation, and strained public services.

Cost of living pressures were central, with unions highlighting rising prices for fuel, food, rent, and electricity while wages and pensions remain stagnant. Students also demanded better education funding, pointing to overcrowded classrooms and staff shortages that sparked the initial protests in September.

Marches occurred in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, Nantes, and dozens of other cities. About one-third of high schools were closed while rail services and postal operations experienced strikes and walkouts. Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were closed.

As part of the government's ongoing attempted suppression of the waves of demonstrations, authorities deployed 70,000 police officers, supported by drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles. Police violence was reported in Paris and elsewhere.