Largely peaceful marches take place across France as workers stage strike

Across France on Thursday, workers participated in a day of strikes and nationwide protests over wages, the cost of living and public services. The demonstrations, organized by labor unions, were joined by students advocating for improved education conditions, as well as high-profile politicians, including presidential candidates Jean-Luc Melenchon and Raphael Glucksmann. Over 270,000 people attended these events, excluding Paris, where the main demonstration began in the afternoon at Place de la Republique.

In Paris, attendees sang "La Marseillaise" and passed Carnival-like floats as the atmosphere was initially festive. However, tensions arose when some protesters at the front clashed with police, who responded by firing tear gas. Despite this, transport disruptions were minimal.

In Lyon, riot police used tear gas to disperse a group of protesters, some of whom were seen brandishing anti-police slogans and wearing black clothing with face coverings. The Interior Ministry stated that the police faced several hundred hardcore protesters, and while violence was contained, tensions remained high.

The unrest comes five months before a presidential election, which could pit far-right candidate Marine Le Pen against hard-left rival Melenchon in a run-off. Macron, serving his second term, is unpopular and ineligible to run again. The strikes have put pressure on the government, leading to curfews, bans on large gatherings, and the requirement for demonstrations to take alternate routes.

The strikes have also resulted in disruptions, such as a fire at a high school in Toulouse caused by people throwing fireworks, forcing students and staff to evacuate. Education Minister Edouard Geffray condemned the "criminal behavior" as an "absolute scandal."

French authorities have countered the protests with substantial police presence, numbering around 70,000 nationwide, to prevent any major disruptions. The French government maintains that police tactics have been appropriate, but any abuses will be investigated.