French workers strike nationwide over wages and living costs

Tens of thousands of French workers went on strike Thursday in nationwide protests over low wages and the high cost of living, with unions claiming 1.6 million participants while the government estimated 600,000. The demonstrations briefly shut down the Eiffel Tower. Union leader Sophie Binet accused President Emmanuel Macron of ignoring workers' needs, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for a meeting with unions. Some rallies turned violent, with police using tear gas and protesters burning cars in Lyon and objects in Paris. The protests began in late September among students over school conditions and expanded with broad public support, as nearly six in 10 French people back them. Violence has led to thousands of arrests and curfews in several cities last month.