Trade unions and student groups are organising nationwide protests and strikes over living costs and public services.
Key takeaways
Hundreds of thousands are expected to protest and strike across France, with 500,000‑700,000 demonstrators outside Paris and 17.5% of primary teachers joining, as Macron deploys 70,000 police to prevent a repeat of the October 17 unrest.
- French unions CGT and student groups call for nationwide protests and strikes amid concerns over living costs and education.
- The Education Ministry estimates 17.5% of primary school teachers will strike, and rail and public transport may be disrupted.
- Authorities plan to deploy about 70,000 police nationwide to avert a repeat of the October 17 riots.
Summarised automatically by AI from the original article by Astro Awani. AI can make mistakes, so check the original for details.
PARIS: Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to march through French cities and public workers to strike on Thursday, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest that have rattled his government and dominated the agenda five months ahead of a presidential election.
The mobilisation, called by trade unions including the left-wing CGT and backed by student groups, comes after demonstrations over living costs, public services and education triggered the worst civil unrest France has seen in years.
Authorities have sought to lower tensions after riots and looting on October 17 caught security forces off guard, leaving damaged shops and public buildings across the country and fuelling criticism of Macron's handling of the crisis.
