Paris: France witnessed nationwide strikes and demonstrations on Thursday as hundreds of thousands of students and workers joined protests demanding higher wages, better public services and improved education conditions, increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government.
Demonstrations took place in cities across the country, disrupting schools, public transport and other services. The mobilisation marked a significant expansion of a protest movement that began with students in September and gradually attracted trade unions, workers and other sections of society.
According to early estimates, around 270,000 people participated in approximately 180 demonstrations outside Paris by early afternoon, while the CGT trade union separately reported more than 250,000 demonstrators in 73 cities by 1 pm. These figures came from different sources and reporting periods.
The French Interior Ministry deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to maintain public order. More than 220 demonstrations were expected during the day, with authorities preparing for possible clashes and damage to public property.
Although most demonstrations were peaceful, clashes and other incidents involving some groups were reported in several cities. In Lyon, riot police confronted groups of protesters, while incidents of violence were also reported in Nantes, Toulouse, Rennes, Pau and other locations. In Toulouse, fireworks thrown towards a high school reportedly started a fire and forced an evacuation.
Public services also faced disruption. Around one third of high schools were closed or affected by the demonstrations, while public transport services experienced significant disruption in several areas. The Eiffel Tower in Paris was also closed during the mobilisation.
The protests initially began in late September when high school students demonstrated against teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate educational resources. Their demands gradually expanded as workers and trade unions joined the movement, raising wider economic and social concerns.
The movement escalated on October 17, when demonstrations were followed by serious clashes, looting and damage to shops and public buildings in several areas. The incidents increased pressure on the authorities to strengthen security arrangements ahead of further demonstrations.
Five major trade unions announced the November 5 mobilisation on October 5, calling for higher minimum wages, improved working conditions, protection of jobs and greater investment in public services. Other unions subsequently joined the action.
Higher wages and the rising cost of living have become central issues. Workers say their earnings are not keeping pace with household expenses, including food, rent, fuel, gas and electricity.
France's net monthly minimum wage stood at €1,478 following an increase of €35 in June 2026. The CFDT trade union has demanded an additional increase of at least €100 per month. However, this remains a union demand and has not been approved as government policy.
Education funding remains another important concern. The government has announced plans to deploy 3,000 qualified teachers to address staffing shortages. It has also committed €4 billion in loans for school renovation projects and improvements to educational facilities.
However, students and teachers continue to raise concerns about staffing levels and resources in schools.
The demonstrations are also taking place against a difficult economic background. France's National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies reported that household confidence fell to 80 in October, its lowest level since June 2013. The indicator declined by five points compared with September.
The economy also contracted by 0.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, while annual consumer price inflation reached 3.4 per cent in October. These figures have added to concerns about household purchasing power and France's economic outlook.
Prime Minister SĂ©bastien Lecornu's government is facing additional pressure over its budget plans. The minority government has struggled to secure parliamentary support for spending reductions in the 2027 budget. Opposition parties have challenged its approach, increasing uncertainty over the country's political and economic direction.
Police conduct has also become a major issue during the protests. An investigation published in France documented serious injuries among demonstrators and bystanders, including people who lost their hands and others who suffered serious eye injuries.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that 83 investigations were under way involving the national police and gendarmerie inspectorates over possible misconduct by law enforcement officers. The findings of these investigations have not yet been established.
The unrest is also attracting political attention ahead of France's 2027 presidential election. The first round is scheduled for April 18, 2027, followed by a second round on May 2, 2027.
Macron, who cannot seek a third consecutive presidential term under the French Constitution, is facing growing pressure as his government attempts to manage the demonstrations and address economic concerns. Political figures including Marine Le Pen, Jean-Luc Mélenchon and former prime minister Édouard Philippe are also preparing for the presidential contest amid growing debate over the country's economic and political direction.
Further demonstrations are expected on Saturday, November 7, as grassroots groups seek to maintain pressure on the government. Some trade unions and housing rights organisations have also called for wider European demonstrations between November 20 and 22.
However, it remains unclear whether the government will announce further measures on wages, public services and education or whether additional nationwide strikes will follow.
The latest mobilisation highlights the growing challenges facing France as economic pressures, public service concerns and demands for political accountability converge amid increasing social unrest.