French unions strike again as wage protests continue

French unions called another general strike Thursday demanding higher wages, with around 270,000 people participating nationwide, keeping pressure on the government amid ongoing protests since mid-October. Clashes occurred in Lyon and Nantes, while 70,000 police were deployed. Unions demand a 10% minimum wage increase, higher public sector pay, and pension boosts, with CGT leader Sophie Binet insisting the government must meet their demands. The movement began with students blocking high schools over poor conditions, later joined by university students and Yellow Vest activists. The government has offered concessions but faces limited fiscal room due to record debt.