French unions call general strike for November 5

French unions have called for a general strike on November 5 after a meeting with Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu, accusing the government of ignoring their demands on cost of living, education, and health. CGT leader Sophie Binet said the strike should be "as broad as possible," urging general assemblies in all workplaces to extend action beyond that date. CFDT leader Marylise Léon stressed that social responses to workers' demands are "indispensable" before then. The meeting followed violent protests on October 17, when 3,000 shops were looted. President Emmanuel Macron vowed firmness against vandalism and denounced foreign leaders' comments, while scheduling an intelligence meeting for Thursday.