More than 600,000 people rallied across France on Thursday, including a large demonstration in Paris, to demand higher wages and express support for the student protest movement. The Interior Ministry reported the provisional figures, which add pressure on the French government.
The protests, which have been ongoing for over a month, saw major gatherings in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other cities. While many of the demonstrations remained peaceful, the Interior Ministry indicated that figures were still being finalized.
In Paris, students carried signs that read, “Inequalities seriously jeopardize our future” and “We can’t spend our whole lives just trying to make a living.” Workers and retirees also participated, calling for increased wages and pensions.
Approximately one-third of France's high schools experienced closures or disruptions, with some affected by student blockades and others by teacher strikes. Public transportation in certain areas was also affected, and the Eiffel Tower was closed.
Police Preparedness Amidst Tensions
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that 70,000 police officers were deployed, supported by armored vehicles, drones, and helicopters. Police have faced criticism regarding their tactics in handling protesters.
Recent demonstrations have seen incidents of violence, which authorities attribute to masked far-left radicals aiming to incite unrest and individuals seeking to loot. The western region of Brittany reported masked individuals attempting to block roads in Rennes, with authorities detailing "serious acts of violence" by young people, including throwing steel balls at police.
Tensions, scuffles, and other incidents were also reported in Lyon, Nantes, Pau, Orléans, Rennes, and Toulouse.
Union Concerns and Economic Outlook
France's primary labor unions issued a joint statement warning that the country is approaching a recession, with an increasing number of layoff plans. They highlighted rising costs for fuel, food, rent, gas, and electricity, contrasting this with stagnant wages and pensions.
The country is facing significant debt and is among Europe's weakest economic performers, alongside Italy and Belgium.
Participants expressed frustration with the economic situation. "There is a sense of absolute frustration at the government’s failure to operate," said Paul Smith, an associate professor of French history and politics at the University of Nottingham. "Whoever wins the presidential election is going to have a stack of problems to cope with."
Protests Intersect with Election Campaigning
The protest movement began in September with a demonstration over staff shortages at a high school and has since expanded to include students seeking more education funding and workers demanding better pensions and relief from rising living costs.
Thursday's demonstrations coincide with the intensifying presidential campaign, as political leaders seek to leverage the movement. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term, with Marine Le Pen currently the frontrunner.
Several political figures, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Marine Tondelier, and Raphaël Glucksmann, participated in the Paris march.