French unions stage nationwide strikes, escalating pressure on Macron's government

Hundreds of thousands of French trade union members joined nationwide strikes and demonstrations on Thursday, demanding higher wages and supporting student protests, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government. Major rallies occurred in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other cities. An official reported around 270,000 people participated in 180 peaceful rallies outside the capital, though some violence occurred in several cities. About a third of France's high schools were closed or disrupted, and public transportation was heavily affected, with the Eiffel Tower also closed. Unions warned of recession risks and rising costs, criticizing the government and employers. The protests began in September over school staffing shortages and have grown amid the presidential campaign, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen currently favored to win the upcoming election.