France's Largest Protests Since September Draw 600,000 in Paris

Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Thursday in the largest demonstrations since the movement began in September, with violence and hundreds of arrests reported. Unions demanded higher wages and minimum wage increases. Interior Ministry figures cited by Le Figaro put Paris turnout at 600,000, while unions aimed for 1.6 million nationwide. The "fourth act" of protests against living costs and austerity followed calls for a "black Thursday," with clashes in Lyon, Nantes, and Toulouse. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced a "social conference" for Monday with employers and unions. Unions vowed to continue until demands are met, while France's strained budget limits concessions, with debt at record highs and the draft budget failing in parliament.