600,000 Protest Across France as Unions Strike Over Wages and Schools
Massive demonstrations and a general strike are underway across France on Thursday, with an estimated 600,000 people participating in nationwide protests, according to the French Interior Ministry. The protests, which began at 2:00 PM, are driven by student anger over poor high school conditions and broader demands for wage increases amid rising costs. Union leader Marylise Léon told BFMTV she hopes for 800,000 participants, with teachers, postal workers, railway staff, and hospital employees joining the action. Authorities have deployed 70,000 police officers, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez vowing a "extremely firm response" to violence. The minimum wage, currently €1,443 after tax, has not been raised since 2012 except for inflation adjustments.