French General Strike Draws 250,000 Protesters

A quarter of a million people are protesting across France today in a general strike called by trade unions, demanding better study conditions, higher wages, and a strong welfare state. Unions representing education, railways, hospitals, and postal services joined the strike, with protests in 73 cities. Demonstrators are calling for general pay increases, a higher minimum wage, and improved conditions for young people. Some protests in Lyon turned violent, with police using tear gas. The government has deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide, promising a strong response to unrest. Student protests have been mostly peaceful, but police have faced criticism for heavy-handed tactics, and internal investigations have been launched over alleged brutality against young demonstrators.