Hundreds of thousands of workers, students and farmers marched across France on Thursday in a nationwide strike against the rising cost of living, in a new escalation of weeks of protests that has put fresh pressure on the government of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
France’s Interior Ministry said 575,000 people took part in demonstrations across the country, revising down an earlier provisional estimate of 600,000. It said 60,000 people marched in Paris. The CGT, one of the unions organising the protests, put the nationwide turnout far higher, at 1.6 million.
The marches were largely peaceful, but clashes broke out in several cities, including Paris and Lyon, where police fired tear gas. By 6pm, 448 people had been arrested and 53 police officers had been injured, according to the Interior Ministry.
What the protesters want
The unions are demanding across-the-board wage rises, tax reform and better conditions in schools, after weeks of student-led demonstrations that have seen about a third of high schools shut or blockaded. Teachers, rail workers, hospital staff and postal employees joined the one-day strike, and some energy workers took part too.
“We want to make a living from our work, to make a dignified wage,” winegrower Martin Thiberge said at the protest in Lyon.
The strikers are also demanding an increase in the minimum wage, currently 12.31 euros an hour. Only wages and pensions are not rising, protesters said, while prices for energy, food and everyday goods keep climbing.
Landmarks closed, transport mostly running
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe closed for the day, and some galleries at the Louvre also shut their doors. Public transport was largely unaffected, although about 16 percent of teachers were on strike, according to the Ministry of National Education.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had announced on Wednesday that 70,000 police officers and security forces would be deployed across the country, promising an “extremely firm response” to any acts of violence or disorder. 70,000 police officers were deployed for the 31 October protests as well.
A growing movement
The strike follows a previous nationwide protest wave on 31 October, when hundreds of thousands marched and student groups blockaded schools. The movement began with youth-led demonstrations and has grown into a broader social protest drawing together students, teachers, farmers and other workers.
The marches come as France, the eurozone’s second-largest economy, battles to repair its public finances, six months ahead of elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron, with the far right leading in opinion polls.
What happens next
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said he plans to hold a meeting on the cost of living and wages with unions and employers’ organisations on Monday 9 November. The unions have complained about police restrictions on some protests, and further strike days have not been ruled out.
What is still unclear
The turnout figures differ sharply between the government and the organisers, as they usually do at French protests, and the final official count may still be revised. It is also unclear whether the 9 November meeting will produce concrete measures on wages or taxes.
FAQ
How many people protested in France on 5 November?
France’s Interior Ministry said 575,000 people took part nationwide, including 60,000 in Paris. The CGT union put the figure at 1.6 million.
Why are workers striking in France?
Unions are demanding higher wages, tax reform and better conditions in schools, arguing that pay has not kept up with the rising cost of living.
Was the Eiffel Tower closed?
Yes. The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe closed for the day on 5 November, and some Louvre galleries also shut.
What happens next?
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is due to meet unions and employers on 9 November to discuss the cost of living and wages.
Sources
- Al Jazeera, “Hundreds of thousands protest across France over high cost of living”, 5 Nov 2026 — https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/11/5/workers-strike-across-france-hundreds-of-thousands-expected-to-protest
- Channel News Asia (AFP), “France workers strike, march for ‘dignified wage'”, 6 Nov 2026 — https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/france-workers-strike-wage-protest-police-macron-6529011
- Dawn, “600,000 march for wage hike, tax reform in France”, 6 Nov 2026 — https://www.dawn.com/news/2042448/600000-march-for-wage-hike-tax-reform-in-france
- France 24 via Modern Ghana, “France workers strike, march for ‘dignified wage'”, 6 Nov 2026 — https://www.modernghana.com/news/1542380/france-workers-strike-march-for-dignified-wage.amp
