Protesters waving flags and banners marched through the streets of French cities, while public sector workers went on strike today, Thursday, posing a fresh challenge to President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest that have shaken his government, just five months ahead of the presidential election.
The action, called by trade unions including the left-wing General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and backed by student groups, comes after demonstrations sparked by rising living costs and deteriorating public services and education triggered the worst unrest France has seen in years.
CGT leader Sophie Binet told television channel LCI: "We need to take to the streets in large numbers today." She added that protests had been planned in 260 cities and towns across France.
High school students and other protesters clashed with riot police in Paris after blocking a street with rubbish bins early Thursday morning.
Demonstrations began around midday in the southern cities of Marseille and Lyon, as well as in the western city of Nantes. The main protest in Paris was not due to begin until the afternoon.
A protest banner in Lyon read: "High school students, retirees, students and workers together. Unity wins."
Authorities have sought to ease tensions following riots and looting on October 17 that caught security forces by surprise, damaging shops and public buildings across the country and prompting criticism of Macron's handling of the crisis.
French authorities will deploy around 70,000 police officers across the country. The domestic intelligence service expects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to take part in demonstrations outside Paris.
Macron held a defence and security meeting on Wednesday ahead of the protests. What began as a movement driven by students' anger over deteriorating conditions in schools and concerns about young people's prospects has evolved into a broader challenge to his government.
"The goal over the coming weeks is to bring the river that has overflowed back into its banks and launch the presidential election under the calmest conditions possible," said an official close to Macron.
