French strikes draw up to 1.6 million protesters over wages and services

A nationwide strike and protests in France on Thursday drew up to 1.6 million participants, according to unions, in a major surge of social discontent over wages and public services. The government has responded by calling a social conference for Monday. Authorities counted 600,000 demonstrators nationwide, while unions reported 1.6 million, including 350,000 in Paris, a level comparable to the 2023 pension reform protests. The action disrupted universities, schools, and tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower, with no major incidents reported. The protest comes less than six months before the 2027 presidential election, and socialist candidate Raphaël Glucksmann was forced to leave the march after being confronted by alleged far-left activists. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will meet unions and employers on Monday to address purchasing power concerns.