France protests close Eiffel Tower as 600,000 march nationwide

The Eiffel Tower closed Thursday as nationwide protests and strikes disrupted France, with around 600,000 demonstrators taking to the streets and 70,000 police deployed. The one-day strike affected schools, hospitals, and public transport. The marches, called by trade unions including the CGT and backed by student groups, were largely peaceful despite clashes in Paris and Lyon. Protesters demanded higher wages to address living costs and opposed cuts to public services, with disruptions reported at oil refineries and nuclear plants. The protests follow weeks of demonstrations marred by violent unrest, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to convene a security meeting. Left-wing presidential candidates Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann attended, while officials vowed a firm response to any violence.