Thousands rally across France over rising costs and wage demands

Tens of thousands of trade union members staged nationwide strikes and demonstrations across France on Thursday, demanding higher wages and backing a growing high school protest movement, in a major show of pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government. After more than a month of recurring rallies over the rising cost of living, major marches were held in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities, with unions saying about 260 protests were planned nationwide. Students staged new actions, with about a third of France’s high schools closed or unable to operate due to blockades or teacher walkouts. Public transport was heavily disrupted, and the Eiffel Tower was shut for the day. In Paris, the atmosphere at Place de la Republique was largely festive despite a heavy security presence, after earlier protests on October 17 were marred by rioting and looting.