France Sees 575,000 Protesters Amid Nationwide Demonstrations
On Thursday, France witnessed approximately 575,000 protesters, marking the largest turnout since demonstrations began in September. The protests, largely peaceful, included public sector workers on a one-day strike, challenging President Emmanuel Macron. While the Interior Ministry reported 575,000 participants, the CGT union estimated the number at 1.6 million. Demonstrations disrupted schools, universities, and railways, with some clashes reported in cities like Paris and Lyon. Authorities deployed around 70,000 police personnel, resulting in at least 53 police injuries and over 448 arrests. The unrest highlights growing discontent over living costs and public services, intensifying political pressure on Macron's government ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to meet with workers' and employers' groups on November 9 to address these concerns.
Published 1 day ago • 06 Nov 2026, 09:24 AM IST