The French demonstrations are witnessing the largest participation in one day in years.. Here is what we know

About 575,000 demonstrators participated in protests across France on Thursday, according to government estimates, representing the largest number of demonstrators in one day since the start of the wave of unrest in September, which coincided with a nationwide strike.

Despite the size of these protests, and the violence that marred similar marches on October 17, the day passed in relative peace, even if it included some limited confrontations in various French cities.

Some workers also joined the strike, resulting in a shortage of staff and workers in a number of schools, universities, railway facilities, and to a lesser extent in hospitals.

The diversity of participating sectors reflects the breadth of the base of groups involved in these protests. It evolved from a student movement demanding improved conditions in schools, to turn into a movement joined by trade unions and “yellow vest” protesters.

Each group has its own concerns, but they all share a general dissatisfaction with the cost of living, perceived government inaction, a widening wealth gap, and a deep desire for social and political change.

What is the impact of strikes?

Several of France's largest unions - representing diverse groups that include students, teachers, postal employees, as well as doctors, pharmacists and workers in the transport sector - called for a nationwide strike on Thursday, and according to government estimates, about a third of higher education institutions in France witnessed "unrest" due to the demonstrations, while about 13% of the total school staff participated in the strike. As for the unions, the numbers were estimated at much higher numbers.

Some train services were also affected due to the workers' strike. The French Ministry of Health stated in a statement to CNN that a very small percentage of public hospital employees - only about 5% of the total workforce - participated in the strike, adding that "no fundamental disruption in health care services was observed."

Were the protests violent?

Since the protests turned violent about three weeks ago, authorities and shop owners have remained on alert in case such scenes are repeated at each of the nationwide demonstrations. However, the day passed without major incidents, except for “clashes between police and groups of extremist and hard-left activists in several cities, including Rennes, Nantes, Lyon and Marseille,” according to the French Interior Ministry. Police arrested 448 people in total.

In the city of Lyon, police used tear gas and advanced towards a group of protesters, many of whom were masked. In the city of Rennes, the authorities arrested dozens of rioters after they vandalized a hotel, threw objects at the police, and launched a “violent attack” on union members participating in the protests.

The French Minister of Education, Edouard Geoffray, stated that a school located near Toulouse was severely damaged as a result of an “intentional arson attack.” The Ministry of Interior also reported that fire brigades dealt with 86 fires across the country.

For his part, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said: “Under circumstances that once again witnessed numerous acts of violence, law enforcement forces acted with courage and determination to ensure the exercise of the right to protest peacefully and safely, despite controversial allegations accusing them of obstructing this right.”

What are the protesters demanding?

The demands of the groups participating in these protests differ somewhat from each other. The labor unions that called for a strike today are demanding higher wages and pensions. Specifically, the CGT Union, one of the most prominent labor unions in France, believes that the minimum wage should be increased by 10% immediately. As for the CFDT union, it demands an increase of 100 euros - equivalent to about 7% - on the monthly minimum wage.

At the same time, student groups are demanding an increase in the education budget by more than $10 billion, in addition to a $1.5 billion investment in school infrastructure, and the provision of 250,000 additional university seats.

As for the “Yellow Vests” movement, which appeared eight years ago, it demands the departure of President Emmanuel Macron and his government, and the launch of a new constitutional path.

Will the protests continue?

In short, yes. None of these demands are easy to achieve, and the protesters have expressed their intention to continue demonstrating until Christmas, and perhaps until the French presidential elections next spring. Even in the near term, the "yellow vests" are planning protests on Friday and Saturday.

Elsewhere in Europe, where similar protest movements have emerged, strikes are scheduled for later this month in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Belgium.

How do the authorities deal with the protests?

A government spokesman said on Wednesday, according to Reuters, that the authorities, who were surprised by the events of October 17, remained in a state of “maximum vigilance” as they prepared for these protests. Although security forces on the ground have largely succeeded in curbing any violence, Macron has faced criticism for failing to respond adequately to the demands of the protesters.