More than 600,000 people took to the streets across France on Thursday, November 5, demanding higher wages, improved working conditions and greater funding for public education, as nationwide demonstrations intensified pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
France’s Interior Ministry estimated that more than 600,000 people participated in the protests, while the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), one of the country’s largest trade unions, placed the turnout at nearly 1.6 million across more than 200 demonstrations.
The protests attracted larger crowds than those recorded on October 17, when demonstrations were overshadowed by rioting, vandalism and looting.
In Paris, students, workers and retirees marched together, expressing frustration over rising living costs, stagnant wages and concerns about their economic futures.
The CGT estimated that approximately 350,000 demonstrators participated in the Paris rally alone and pledged to continue mobilizing until the government and employers addressed their demands.
Schools Shut Down as Strikes Disrupt Public Services
The nationwide protests significantly disrupted education and transportation services.
Approximately one-third of France’s high schools were closed or unable to operate normally because of student blockades and teacher strikes.
Public transportation services were also affected in several areas, while the Eiffel Tower remained closed amid the demonstrations.
The protest movement initially began in September over staff shortages at a high school southeast of Paris before spreading to educational institutions across the country.
Students demanded increased school funding, improved staffing and better educational opportunities. The movement subsequently expanded as workers and trade unions joined calls for higher salaries, improved pensions and relief from rising household expenses.
Police Deploy 70,000 Officers Amid Security Concerns
French authorities mobilized approximately 70,000 police officers nationwide, supported by armoured vehicles, helicopters and surveillance drones, to maintain security during the demonstrations.
Although the main Paris march remained largely peaceful, isolated clashes and disturbances were reported in several cities.
In Rennes, authorities said masked individuals attempted to block roads and threw steel balls at police officers.
Additional confrontations and security incidents were reported in Lyon, Nantes, Pau, Orléans and Toulouse.
The heavy police presence followed weeks of demonstrations marked by violent confrontations, with authorities blaming some incidents on masked far-left extremists and individuals involved in looting.
Police have also faced criticism over allegations of excessive force against demonstrators.
Trade Unions Warn of Economic Crisis
France’s major trade unions warned that the country faces mounting economic challenges, including the possibility of recession, increasing layoffs and declining household purchasing power.
Union representatives argued that wages and pensions have failed to keep pace with rising prices for food, fuel, housing and utilities.
Healthcare workers also joined the demonstrations, highlighting staff shortages, inadequate equipment and deteriorating working conditions.
Corinne Cucchini, a representative of the Private Healthcare Federal Union, said employees at her Paris hospital were demanding better wages and improvements to workplace conditions.
Meanwhile, Fabien Villedieu, national secretary of the SUD-Rail union, defended strike action as a necessary response to the government’s handling of workers’ concerns and disputes involving France’s national railway operator, SNCF.
The growing unrest comes as France struggles with substantial public debt and weak economic performance compared with several other European countries.
Protests Intensify Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election
The demonstrations are also becoming a major political issue ahead of France’s presidential election scheduled for May 2027.
President Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term, leaving political parties competing to succeed him amid widespread public dissatisfaction.
Far-right politician Marine Le Pen is considered a leading contender, while several left-wing political figures have aligned themselves with the protest movement.
Among those participating in Thursday’s Paris demonstration were Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Green Party leader Marine Tondelier and moderate-left politician Raphaël Glucksmann.
Political observers believe the protests could significantly influence the election campaign as candidates seek to address public frustration over economic conditions, government policies and declining confidence in public institutions.
Paul Smith, an associate professor of French history and politics at the University of Nottingham, said the unrest reflects deep dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
He warned that whoever wins the next presidential election will inherit significant economic and political challenges.
With unions promising further demonstrations and students continuing their campaign for education reform, France faces the prospect of prolonged social unrest as the country approaches a crucial political transition.
