French unions launch national strike over costs and public services

Five French unions have launched a national day of strikes and protests, with authorities expecting 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators nationwide and tens of thousands in Paris. The action targets rising costs and public service cuts. The protests began in September with high school students over education conditions, expanding to include workers and the yellow-vest movement. Unions demand higher wages, including a €100 monthly net increase, and protected services, with 70,000 police deployed. Over 250 actions are planned, disrupting schools, hospitals, transport, and oil refineries, with France importing electricity due to nuclear plant stoppages. The government has released diesel reserves and promised university admissions reform, while yellow-vest groups plan further protests this weekend.