Millions join French protests for higher wages and student support

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 21:09 · Archive

More than a million people demonstrated across France on Thursday, demanding higher wages and backing student protests.

More than a million people demonstrated across France on Thursday as students, workers and retirees joined protests demanding higher wages and backing the student movement. France's Interior Ministry said more than 600,000 people took to the streets, while the CGT, a major union, estimated nearly 1.6 million participated in over 200 demonstrations nationwide. The figures exceeded turnout from 17 October, when earlier protests were marred by rioting and looting.

The Paris march proceeded peacefully. Some young demonstrators carried signs reading 'Inequalities seriously jeopardise our future' and 'We can't spend our whole lives just trying to make a living.' The CGT said the turnout marked a new stage in mobilisation and vowed to 'continue its fight for as long as necessary to force the government and employers to give in to its demands'.

The protests disrupted French life significantly. About one-third of high schools were closed or unable to operate because of student blockades and teacher strikes. Public transportation was disrupted in some areas and the Eiffel Tower was closed. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police officers were deployed with armoured vehicles, drones and helicopters.

Some incidents were reported in other cities. Authorities in Brittany said masked individuals attempted to block roads and committed 'serious acts of violence', including throwing steel balls at police. Tensions, scuffles and other incidents occurred in Lyon, Nantes, Pau, Orléans, Rennes and Toulouse.

How it is being reported

• Numbers surge in French protests as unions join strikesAn estimated million-plus people have taken to the streets of Paris and other French cities as students, workers and retirees continue their protests.The West Australian · 5 Nov, 20:33
• Numbers surge in French protests as unions join strikesAn estimated million-plus people have taken to the streets of Paris and other French cities as students, workers and retirees continue their protests.Perth Now · 5 Nov, 20:33

In this story: France · Paris · CGT · Laurent Nuñez · Brittany

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