On November 5, local time, nationwide strikes and demonstrations took place across France. Hundreds of thousands of workers, teachers and students took to the streets to demand higher wages, better working conditions and a dignified life for working people.
The protests focused mainly on the rising cost of living and wage growth failing to keep pace with prices. Unions called on the government and businesses to raise the minimum wage and employee pay, improve the employment environment, and protect public services and workers’ rights. Protesters said that food, rent, energy and other daily expenses kept increasing, leaving many families struggling to maintain a normal standard of living on their existing incomes.
The strikes affected railways, public transport, schools, healthcare, postal services and other sectors. Transport was disrupted in parts of France, teaching was affected at schools, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris also closed for the day.
According to figures released by French police, about 575,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, while unions claimed turnout was close to 1.6 million. Police arrested 448 people that day, 53 officers were injured, and clashes between demonstrators and police occurred in some cities.
The protests reflected discontent in French society over wages, prices and the pressures of daily life. Unions said they would continue pressing the government and businesses to respond to workers’ demands.