General strike in France, 260 demonstrations expected today: security alert
Workers, public officials, young people and pensioners are protesting. Security alarm with 70,000 police and gendarmes mobilized.
Quick Look
- Day of strikes and 260 demonstrations in France for wage demands.
- Involved are public and private workers, young people and pensioners, with severe problems in transport and school.
- 70,000 policemen and gendarmes mobilized.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
French unions have called strikes and demonstrations over wage demands, involving the public and private sectors.
Employees and public officials are protesting for their wages, but young people and pensioners have also been invited to join. The main parade is in Paris. "We have a route in the city centre, even if it is not exactly what we wanted," said the secretary of the CGT union, Sophie Binet
Day of strikes in France, where 260 demonstrations are planned. Employees and public officials gather on the streets to protest for their wages, but young people and pensioners have also been invited to join the demonstrations. The main event is in Paris. “We have a route in the city centre, even if it's not exactly what we wanted,” said the secretary of the CGT union, Sophie Binet. There is a security alarm both in the capital and in the main French cities.
Strikes in France
The general secretary of the Confédération générale du travail (CGT), Sophie Binet, claims that around 260 demonstrations were organized across France. The day was defined by the authorities as "Black Thursday" and, to maintain security, 70,000 police and gendarmes were mobilized. The Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, promised "a very firm response" to any violent consequences. Already this morning there was severe disruption on public transport, starting with trains and subways. Forecasts speak of participation of 500,000-700,000 people outside of Paris and 40,000-80,000 in the capital. Disruptions to public traffic, with only one regional train out of two travelling, and to schools. The Ministry of National Education estimates that around 17% of primary school teachers will join the strike; also the canteen and extracurricular assistance services involved in the protests.
Why people are going on strike in France
Unions have called on public and private sector workers to strike over wage demands. This first appeal - the first after the resumption of autumn activities to involve both the public and private sectors - was also supported by high school and university students, who continue the mobilization started in mid-September; the "yellow vests", who have resumed protests against the high cost of living for three Saturdays; and, among others, the farmers of the "Confédération paysanne".
Open Questions
- What was the final turnout at the demonstrations?
- Have there been any major clashes or incidents?
