French workers and students stage nationwide protests for higher wages

Massive protests swept France on Thursday as students, teachers, healthcare workers, and railway staff joined forces to demand higher wages and better public services, with turnout estimated between 600,000 and 1.6 million people nationwide. The demonstrations expanded from initial student-led actions in September over school conditions, with workers now calling for wage increases, improved working conditions, and an end to public spending cuts. The Interior Ministry reported at least 448 arrests, with clashes in several cities including Bordeaux and Lyon. The unrest pressures President Emmanuel Macron's government as it pushes a budget to reduce public spending amid debt nearing 120 percent of economic output. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has scheduled a meeting with unions for Monday, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen polls strongly ahead of next year's presidential election.