French protesters plan more demonstrations ahead of general strike as anger grows

France is bracing for further significant nationwide disruption as trade unions escalate street demonstrations into a coordinated general strike, following a weekend of unrest that saw over 1,300 arrests. The action threatens to paralyze commuter networks, rail services, and schools, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron. Labour federations and student groups have called for widespread industrial action throughout the week, culminating in major demonstrations on Saturday, October 31, with a general strike set for November 5. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of "risk of more trouble" as unions demand government intervention over soaring living costs, high taxation, and deteriorating school conditions. The weekend's rallies drew an estimated 400,000 to 800,000 demonstrators nationwide, monitored by 70,000 police officers. Clashes erupted in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux, leaving 53 officers injured and two demonstrators seriously wounded. Macron has introduced nighttime curfews in several cities, accusing fringe rioters of "sedition" and vowing an "extremely robust" security response.