France workers strike and march for 'dignified wage'

Workers across France took to the streets on Thursday, protesting the rising cost of living and inequality. Hundreds of thousands of people participated in demonstrations across 73 cities, according to the major labor union CGT. The demonstrations come as the eurozone’s second-largest economy struggles to address its financial situation, with elections for a successor to President Emmanuel Macron approaching in six months. The far-right party has been leading in recent opinion polls.

In Clermont-Ferrand, high school student Sylvie Larneury and her partner joined the strike to show their support for the cause. They expressed frustration with the government, which they believe is more focused on its own interests rather than those of the majority. The unions are demanding across-the-board wage increases, tax reforms, and improved learning conditions for young people.

In Lyon, winegrower Martin Thiberge joined the protest, emphasizing the need for a dignified wage. As many as 80,000 people were expected to march in Paris at 2:00 pm (1300 GMT), prompting the Eiffel Tower to close for the day. School blockades occurred in dozens of high schools nationwide, with the government reporting blockades at 81 out of the country's 3,700 high schools, including 1,000 secondary schools that suspended classes.

Police used tear gas to prevent students from blocking access to a high school in Paris. Public and private education unions, along with unions representing rail workers, public hospitals, and postal services, called for strike action. Train travel experienced some disruptions, with a psychologist at Montparnasse train station in Paris reporting delays due to the strike.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 police officers and security forces would be deployed across the country, promising a "firm response" to any acts of violence or disorder. The protests have largely been peaceful, though some incidents of clashes with police and alleged use of petrol bombs against security forces have been reported.

An attempted murder investigation was launched after petrol bombs were thrown at security forces in Paris on Saturday. Several teenage protesters were seriously wounded, and thousands were arrested. Similar protests have taken place in other European countries, including Denmark, Germany, and Italy.