🔶 Protests by 600,000 people in France to demand higher wages

About 600,000 people on Thursday (November 4) held protests in various cities across France against the rising cost of living, low wages, and a lack of funding for public education. The demonstrations were organized at the invitation of labor unions and groups representing school and university students, and were accompanied by strikes and disruptions to the activities of a number of schools, universities, and public service centers.

The French Ministry of the Interior announced the initial number of participants at nearly 600,000, while the labor union CGT estimated the number of protesters at about 1.6 million.

The protesters are calling for an increase in the minimum wage, more financial resources for schools and universities, and improved working conditions for public-sector employees. They are also protesting the government’s economic policies and their impact, including reduced purchasing power for households.

Most of the gatherings took place peacefully, but in some cities, including Paris and Lyon, clashes occurred between protesters and police forces. Police used tear gas to disperse groups of protesters.