France prepares for national strikes and protests on Thursday
Authorities expect up to 700,000 demonstrators to participate in a day of action involving five unions across the country.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate in marches across France on Thursday as five unions organise a national day of action, according to BBC News. The protests involve workers from both the public and private sectors demanding higher wages to address the cost of living and the protection of public services.
The unions are specifically seeking an increase in the minimum wage, known as Smic, which is currently €12.31 an hour. CFDT union head Marylise Léon stated that they are requesting a net increase of €100 per month.
Disruptions have been reported in hospitals, schools, and public transport, with workers also asked to stop production at oil refineries. 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 vowed an extremely firm response to any violence. He identified risks including looting, radical left 'black blocs' groups, and unauthorised wildcat marches.
The planned march in Paris will follow a route from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. This route differs from the one proposed by unions, which would have passed near the National Assembly and the Élysée Palace.
The gilets jaunes movement has also called for blockades and protests on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, France is expected to import more electricity than it produces on Thursday due to disruptions at nuclear plants.