French protests on November 7 draw 146,000, unions call Tuesday strike

On Saturday, November 7, tens of thousands of people across France joined anti-government protests for the fourth consecutive Saturday, with turnout lower than in previous weeks. The Interior Ministry reported 146,000 participants nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris, while unions cited higher figures of 250,000 and 75,000 respectively. Protest demands have expanded beyond wages and education conditions to include public services and restrictions on demonstrations introduced after the October 17 riots. A Parisian demonstrator named Louis described the event as a "big celebration of joy" and a "moment of unity," highlighting concerts and street performances as expressions of "cultural needs." Authorities mobilized 70,000 police officers, and 360 people were arrested nationwide. Unions have called for a new national strike on Tuesday, with student and teacher organizations seeking increased education funding. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to meet with union representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power.