Thursday's day of strikes and demonstrations has already drawn 270.000 people to 180 marches across France , excluding Paris , according to an initial count from the Interior Ministry at 13 p.m. In the capital, where intelligence services had anticipated between 40.000 and 80.000 participants, the official count has not yet been released. In total, more than 220 demonstrations were planned nationwide. The mobilization, organized to demand wage increases, improved purchasing power, and more resources for public services, was also marked by high school blockades, student gatherings, and police interventions. Some 70.000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed to manage the day's protests.
270.000 demonstrators at 13 p.m., not counting the Parisian march
The Interior Ministry announced that it had counted 270.000 demonstrators in 180 marches across the country by 13 p.m. This initial figure does not include Paris , where a large demonstration is also taking place. Intelligence reports had anticipated between 40.000 and 80.000 participants in the capital, which would bring the provisional total to between 310.000 and 350.000 people if these forecasts are accurate. However, this is not yet a national count.
The demonstrations bring together private sector employees, civil servants, teachers, university students, and high school students. Several trade unions have called for participation in the rallies to demand wage increases, a rise in the minimum wage, and measures to offset the rising cost of living.
This new day of mobilization follows several weeks of social protest. Previous demonstrations had already led to gatherings in numerous cities, as well as tensions between protesters and law enforcement.
Nearly 16% of teachers are on strike, according to the ministry.
The Ministry of Education has reported an initial strike participation rate of nearly 16% among teachers. This mobilization affects preschools and elementary schools, middle schools and high schools, with variations depending on the institution.
The striking staff are denouncing, in particular, the lack of human and material resources, the difficulties in replacing absent teachers, and the deterioration of working conditions. The unions are also demanding salary increases and additional investment in schools.
The demands also concern class sizes, the condition of the buildings, and the resources allocated to student support. The teachers' mobilization echoes that of high school and university students, who have stepped up their actions since the beginning of autumn.
High schools blocked in Paris, Strasbourg and Bordeaux, tear gas used
Several schools were affected by attempted blockades from the early hours of the morning. In Strasbourg , several dozen high school students tried to block access to the Marie-Curie high school before being quickly dispersed by law enforcement.
In Paris, police operations took place in front of several establishments, including the Honoré-de-Balzac high school in the 17th arrondissement and the Hélène-Boucher high school in the 20th. Riot police used tear gas to prevent blockades and disperse groups of protesters.
In Bordeaux , around a hundred high school students gathered in front of the Lycée Montaigne, where trash cans had been placed to block access to the school. In Toulouse, Sciences Po students continued their blockade, which began on October 1st, after a break during the school holidays.
These actions were organized as high school student organizations called on their members to join the national demonstrations this Thursday.
Parcoursup, outdated buildings and excessively long school days: the demands of high school students
The mobilized high school students are demanding an increase in the national education budget, the renovation of school buildings and the abolition of Parcoursup , the national platform for admission to higher education.
They also denounce excessively long school days, inadequately heated buildings, and a general decline in their learning conditions. Several organizations are calling for more teaching staff and improved facilities for students.
Blockades have spread to several French cities since the beginning of autumn. High school students intend to maintain pressure on the government, whose initial responses they consider insufficient to address the difficulties encountered in education.
Student organizations are also participating in this mobilization, with rallies and blockades in some higher education institutions.
Wages, purchasing power and public services are at the heart of the demands
Beyond the situation in education, protesters are demanding measures regarding wages and purchasing power. Unions are denouncing the difficulties faced by employees due to rising unavoidable expenses, particularly for housing, energy, and food.
The demands also concern working conditions, staffing levels in public services, and the resources allocated to government departments. The unions are calling for the opening of wage negotiations and additional budgetary commitments.
This day of protest brings together several categories of demonstrators around common demands, even if the demands differ according to professional sectors.
70.000 police officers and gendarmes mobilized throughout France
To manage the gatherings, the Ministry of the Interior announced the deployment of 70.000 police officers and gendarmes across the country. Authorities planned a significant security presence in major cities, particularly in Paris, where tens of thousands of people were expected.
Law enforcement was also deployed outside some schools to prevent blockades. Interventions were reported in Paris and Strasbourg, while tensions arose during several student gatherings.
More than 220 demonstrations were announced for the day. By 13 p.m., authorities had already counted 180 marches in the provinces, with 270.000 participants.
The national tally must be supplemented with figures from the Paris demonstration and the counts of rallies organized in the afternoon. The final figures from the Ministry of the Interior and the labor unions will allow for a full assessment of Thursday's mobilization.
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