Nearly 1.5 million protest across France for wages and public services

Nearly 1.5 million people demonstrated across France on Thursday in the largest protest mobilization of the autumn, demanding higher wages and better public services. Unions reported 1,573,000 participants, while police estimated 575,000, with 448 arrests nationwide. The protests, organized by student groups, unions, and the Yellow Vests movement, drew 350,000 in Paris alone, according to the CGT union. Demonstrators cited stagnant wages failing to keep pace with inflation and underfunded public services, with clashes reported at the Place de la Nation. The movement began with student strikes over school conditions but has expanded to broader economic grievances. Protesters hope the demonstrations will influence candidates ahead of upcoming elections, with firefighters also joining to highlight resource shortages following this summer's devastating wildfires.