France deployed 70,000 police officers on Thursday to manage nationwide strikes and protests called for by left-wing groups. Tens of thousands of people participated in the demonstrations, which led to significant disruptions, including the closure of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and clashes between protesters and riot police in Lyon.
In Paris, high school students and protesters blocked streets, facing off with riot police. In Lyon, authorities deployed tear gas and charged a group of demonstrators, and a high school was reportedly set on fire near Toulouse. An official close to the Interior Ministry stated that approximately 270,000 people had joined union actions in 180 rallies outside the capital by Thursday afternoon. About a third of French high schools were closed or operating with disruptions due to student blockades and teacher strikes.
The protests were fueled by concerns over wages, the cost of living, and public services, with unions warning of an impending recession and increasing layoffs. "Fuel, food products, rent, gas, electricity... everything’s going up except wages and pensions," stated a joint union declaration.
The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for Americans in France, cautioning about potential severe disruptions, curfews, and violence. The demonstrations occurred as the campaign to succeed President Emmanuel Macron, who is constitutionally barred from a third term, gains momentum ahead of elections next May. Former far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is currently considered a frontrunner.
This wave of protests follows similar unrest in October, which Macron attributed to "ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic."