French protests draw 575,000 as budget crisis deepens

French protests over the cost of living drew 575,000 people on Thursday, the largest turnout since unrest began in September, as the government faces a parliamentary budget impasse. The Interior Ministry reported 193 events nationwide, with demonstrations mostly peaceful despite incidents in Rennes, Marseille, and other cities, including a car fire in Lyon and a school fire near Toulouse. Public sector strike participation matched the Sept. 29 walkout at nearly 10%. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced he will convene labor unions for a conference to present responses to their demands, as pressure mounts on the government to resolve the budget crisis.