France paralyzed by strike as 600,000 protest cost of living

unionesarda.it (Italian) —

France was paralyzed by a massive strike on Thursday, with over 600,000 people protesting against the rising cost of living and fuel prices, demanding higher wages. The demonstrations, the largest since 2023, led to clashes and arrests, particularly in Paris. The Interior Ministry counted 575,000 protesters nationwide, including 65,000 in Paris, while the CGT union claimed 1.6 million participants. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a social conference for Monday with unions and employers to address purchasing power and salaries, as protesters specifically demanded a minimum wage increase. Transport disruptions and the closure of the Eiffel Tower marked the strike. Authorities reported 448 arrests, 53 injured officers, and 86 fire-related incidents, with tensions also in Toulouse. Politician Raphaël Glucksmann was forced to leave the Paris march after being jeered by militants.


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