France braces for nationwide strikes over rising living costs
France is preparing for a major nationwide strike and protest movement as trade unions demand government action to help households cope with rising living costs. The mobilisation, backed by unions including the left-wing CGT and by student groups, is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of people into the streets. Public-sector workers are also expected to walk out, disrupting services across the country.
The protests follow weeks of unrest that began with student anger over deteriorating school conditions and limited opportunities for young people, then expanded to encompass living costs, public services and education. The movement has become a wider challenge to President Emmanuel Macron’s government, five months before a presidential election.
Authorities are especially concerned about a repeat of the riots and looting on October 17, when security forces were caught off guard and shops and public buildings were damaged. Around 70,000 police have been deployed nationwide, while domestic intelligence estimates that 500,000 to 700,000 people could join demonstrations outside Paris. Macron convened a defence and security meeting ahead of the strikes, and government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said officials were determined not to relive the October 17 violence.
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