French protests draw hundreds of thousands as government plans social talks

Hundreds of thousands protested across France on November 5 in the largest mobilization since the autumn unrest began, with unions reporting 1.6 million participants. The government announced a "social conference" for Monday to seek a resolution. Interior Ministry figures put turnout at 600,000, while 260 rallies occurred mostly peacefully despite tensions following October 17 clashes. Incidents included a burned high school near Toulouse, a stabbing in La Courneuve, and minor police confrontations in Lyon, Marseille, and Rennes. In Paris, unions counted 350,000 marchers, with the procession from République to Nation proceeding almost without incident. The demonstrations demand wage increases and greater public service investment, following youth-led protests.