France Protests Over Rising Prices Draw 250,000

France is experiencing new mass protests today over rising prices and a declining standard of living, prompting nationwide security mobilization. In Paris, 16 metro stations were temporarily closed, and Bordeaux imposed nighttime movement restrictions for minors. Unions, student groups, and "yellow vest" representatives joined the protests. Unions claim about 250,000 people took to the streets, while the Interior Ministry reports 146,000 demonstrators. Ahead of the protests, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced enhanced security measures, including 110 mobile units, 25 armored vehicles, water cannons, helicopters, and drones. In Paris, unions held an official march from Place de la République to Place de la Nation along Boulevard Voltaire, starting after 2 p.m. Yellow vest activists held separate actions, gathering at Place de la Concorde despite a police ban, where about 100 people staged a sit-in. Protesters demand lower financial burdens, higher purchasing power, and increased wages, while student groups call for better education conditions and funding.