Hundreds of thousands expected at French strikes and protests

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to join strikes and marches across France on Thursday, 5 November, as five unions bring together protests over wages, living costs and public services. The action is expected to disrupt schools, hospitals, transport and energy production.

Authorities estimate that 500,000 to 700,000 people could take part, including tens of thousands in Paris. More than 250 actions are planned. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police and gendarmes would be deployed and warned of a firm response to any violence.

The protests began in September with students voicing concerns about conditions and resources in education, then broadened to include workers and the “yellow vest” movement. The unions are calling for higher wages, including an increase in the €12.31 hourly minimum wage. CFDT leader Marylise Léon said the union wanted a net rise of €100 a month.

Disruption had already been reported at schools on Thursday morning. Workers have also been urged to halt production at oil refineries, while disruption at nuclear plants means France is expected to import more electricity than it produces that day.

A march in central Paris is planned from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. Unions had proposed a route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Concorde, but the authorities chose a different one. The CFDT said approval came only on Wednesday evening, making the march harder to organise.

The heightened security follows violence during demonstrations on 17 October, when more than 2,000 shops were looted and historic buildings set on fire, according to the BBC. The last large mobilisation at the weekend passed with relatively little violence. Nuñez identified possible risks on Thursday including radical-left “black blocs”, looting and unauthorised marches.

The government has taken steps to address public anger over prices, including releasing 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves. Ministers have also promised reforms to the Parcoursup university admissions platform, with its eventual replacement planned by 2028.