France's largest strike draws 575,000, hundreds arrested in Paris and beyond

France's largest national strike this autumn drew 575,000 participants per police figures, with 448 arrests and injuries reported amid heavy security measures. The protest on November 5, 2026, included about 430 actions nationwide, with 75,000–80,000 demonstrators in Paris. The CGT union disputed police numbers, claiming 1.6 million participants nationally and 350,000 in Paris. Authorities deployed tear gas, water cannons, armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones, while some protesters sustained injuries during the crackdown. The movement began in September with student protests and escalated in October. Organized by major unions, the demonstrations demanded higher wages, pensions, and increased public service and education funding, with around 260 rallies initially planned.