French unions launch national strike day with 70,000 police deployed

Five French unions have launched a national day of strikes and protests on Thursday, with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators expected to join marches across the country. Authorities have deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes, vowing a firm response to any violence. The protests, which began in September over school conditions, have expanded to include workers and the "yellow vest" movement, with demands for higher wages and protected public services. Over 250 actions are planned, causing disruption in schools, hospitals, transport, and oil refineries, while France is expected to import more electricity due to nuclear plant disruptions. Unions are seeking a minimum wage increase from €12.31 an hour, with one leader demanding a €100 monthly net raise. The government has released diesel reserves and promised school reforms, while the Paris march route was altered from union proposals, avoiding key government buildings.