Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu responded to the mobilization by announcing he would convene a “social conference” with unions and employers next Monday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had deployed 70,000 police officers for the day, vowing an “extremely firm response” to any violence. The Interior Ministry reported at least 448 arrests and 53 police officers injured. While the overall turnout was the highest of the current cycle, the level of unrest was lower than that seen on October 17, when riots resulted in the looting of more than 2,000 stores and damage to historic buildings.
Unrest was reported in Lyon, where a car was set alight near the Gallieni bridge and clashes occurred between police and “black bloc” activists. Tear gas was deployed in Bordeaux to clear a square, and clashes were also reported in Rennes and Paris. In Paris, police fired tear gas after hooded individuals vandalized property during the march, which started from the Place de la République. The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were closed to the public, though transport disruptions remained limited.
The strikes involved teachers, rail workers, hospital staff, postal employees, and some energy workers. Approximately 16 percent of teachers joined the walkout. The unions are demanding an increase in the minimum wage, currently set at €12.31 per hour, along with broader raises, tax reforms, and improved conditions in schools and universities. Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT, stated that the only thing that would halt the mobilization was a direct response to their demands. Marylise Léon, leader of the CFDT union, expressed hope that the turnout would match or exceed previous levels of protest.
The current wave of demonstrations originated in September with student protests over poor conditions in high schools, which later merged with broader public anger over high living costs and inequality. The protests have gained traction ahead of national elections scheduled for next year, amid opinion polls showing the far-right leading. The government faces pressure to address economic concerns as the cost of living continues to rise, a key issue for both younger and older demographics.
