France workers strike, march for 'dignified wage'

France witnessed widespread protests on Thursday as workers took to the streets to demand a dignified wage amid rising costs of living. Over 270,000 people marched across the country, according to the interior ministry. The demonstrations erupted six months before presidential elections, with the far right leading in polls. The student protest movement, which began over learning conditions, merged with anger over inequality.

CGT union leader Sophie Binet urged demonstrators to focus on the extent of their victory. Police used tear gas in some cities, including Lyon, where a vehicle was set ablaze and at least one protest ended in skirmishes. Winegrower Martin Thiberge at the Lyon protest expressed the desire for a fair wage. In Marseille, 31-year-old social worker Lea stated she was "fed up with counting every cent."

Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were closed for the day in Paris. High school students staged blockades in 81 out of 3,700 schools, with 1,000 secondary schools affected. Around 16% of teachers nationwide participated in the strike. Police used tear gas to prevent students from blocking access to a high school in Paris. Public and private education, rail workers, hospital, and postal service unions called for strike action.

The interior minister deployed 70,000 police officers across the country, promising a firm response to any acts of violence. An attempted murder investigation was launched after petrol bombs were thrown at security forces in Paris on Saturday. Similar protests have occurred in other European nations.