French protests draw over 600,000 as workers demand wage hikes and support students

Massive protests swept France on Thursday as over 600,000 people, according to the Interior Ministry, demanded higher wages and supported student movements, intensifying pressure on the government. Unions reported nearly 1.6 million participants across more than 200 demonstrations nationwide. The Paris march proceeded peacefully, with students, workers, and retirees participating, though authorities arrested at least 448 people and reported tensions in several cities including Lyon, Nantes, and Toulouse. About a third of France's high schools were closed or disrupted, and the Eiffel Tower shut down, with 70,000 police deployed. The movement began in September over high school staff shortages and expanded to broader economic grievances, as unions warn of recession and rising costs. The protests occur amid campaigning for next May's presidential election, with far-right contender Marine Le Pen currently favored to succeed Emmanuel Macron.