France prepares for national strikes and protests as unions mobilise
Authorities expect up to 700,000 demonstrators to participate in a day of action across the country on Thursday.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate in marches across France on Thursday as five unions coordinate a national day of action, according to BBC News.
The protests involve both public and private sector workers seeking higher wages to address the cost of living and the protection of public services. Union leaders are specifically calling for an increase in the minimum wage, known as Smic, which is currently €12.31 an hour.
Marylise Léon, head of the CFDT union, stated that the group is requesting a net monthly increase of €100. Another union leader, Sophie Binet, described the mobilisation as a "great day of convergence."
The strikes have caused disruptions in hospitals, public transport, and schools. The education ministry reported that 81 lycées were closed on Thursday morning, while approximately 17.5 per cent of primary schools were also affected.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed and promised an "extremely firm response" to any violence. He noted risks including looting and unauthorised marches.
The government has previously attempted to address rising costs by releasing 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves and promising to reform the Parcoursup university admissions platform by 2028.