Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in nationwide protests across France on Thursday as trade unions stage strikes alongside student-led demonstrations over wages, living costs and education conditions.
Authorities estimate that between 500,000 and 700,000 people could protest across the country, with up to 80,000 expected to march in Paris from 2 p.m. local time.
The demonstrations come amid growing public anger over the rising cost of living, economic inequality and the government's handling of public services, six months before France holds elections to choose a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.
The protests began with high school students raising concerns about poor learning conditions but have since drawn wider support from workers and other groups.
The growing discontent culminated in October 17 riots, described as the worst France has experienced in years.
The unions are demanding an increase in the national minimum wage, which has not received a discretionary increase since 2012, as well as general wage raises, tax reforms and improved learning conditions for young people.
CFDT union secretary general Marylise Leon said workers should be able to earn a decent living from their jobs, calling on both the government and employers to respond to their concerns.
Public and private education unions have joined the strike action, alongside unions representing railway workers, public hospital staff and postal workers.
The action is expected to disrupt transport and other public services. Train services had already experienced some disruption on Monday, with passengers reporting delays and cancellations.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers and security personnel nationwide, warning that authorities would respond firmly to violence and disorder.
Although many student demonstrations have been peaceful, some have resulted in clashes with police. Officers have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds, while an attempted murder investigation was opened after petrol bombs were thrown at security forces in Paris on Saturday.
The police response has also drawn criticism, with allegations of excessive force against demonstrators prompting internal investigations. Several teenage protesters have reportedly been seriously injured, while thousands have been arrested.
Authorities have acknowledged security and intelligence failures linked to the violence, looting and vandalism that broke out on October 17.
Tensions have also grown over restrictions on protest routes. The Paris police prefecture banned a major demonstration route on Wednesday and approved an alternative that moves eastward, away from the city centre.
Several unions have condemned the restrictions, describing them as an attempt to limit the right to protest.
A CGT union representative in Toulouse, Fabrice Fort, said public support for the student movement remained strong, while restrictions on demonstrations had prompted more people to question the protection of civil liberties.
He described the growing public response as a wake-up call for people who had previously been reluctant to speak out.
The demonstrations come as France faces economic pressures and political uncertainty ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with far-right candidates leading in opinion polls.
Similar youth-led protests have also taken place in Denmark, Germany and Italy in recent weeks.
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