French Protests Draw 250,000 as Unions Demand Minimum Wage Hike

diepresse.com (German) —

More than 250,000 people demonstrated across France on Thursday, with unions demanding higher wages and better school conditions. Police used tear gas in Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, and rail traffic was disrupted. The interior ministry reported around 270,000 protesters nationwide by 1:00 PM, with unions counting 250,000 across 70 locations. Authorities expected up to 700,000 total demonstrators. The Eiffel Tower closed due to strikes, and many regional trains were cancelled. Unions are protesting government austerity plans and demanding a 100-euro monthly net increase to the minimum wage. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged police were overwhelmed during October 17 riots but rejected changing tactics.


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