Hundreds of thousands protest across France as unions stage nationwide strikes over wages and living costs

Summary

Hundreds of thousands of people joined a fourth nationwide day of protests and strikes across France, as trade unions joined forces to demand higher wages and support the high school protest movement. Five national unions joined the day of action, and unions representing education, rail, public hospitals and postal services called the strike. Authorities deployed some 70,000 police and security officers across the country. The interior ministry estimates that 600,000 people joined the protests, while the unions say the number was far higher. Protests were largely peaceful, though there were some reports of escalation, including in Paris, where police used tear gas outside a school. Major demonstrations also disrupted Marseille and Nantes. Students, labour unions and the 'yellow vest' movement took part, and public workers went on strike in a renewed challenge to President Emmanuel Macron, who is trying to contain the unrest.

Timeline

1. DW

   5 Nov 2026, 09:19 UTCSource ↗

   DW reports that more than 600,000 people protested across France to call for government action on the high cost of living, with largely peaceful protests but some reports of escalation, including in Paris.

2. RTÉ

   5 Nov 2026, 11:35 UTCSource ↗

   RTÉ reports that flag-waving protesters marched through French cities and public workers went on strike, in a renewed challenge to President Emmanuel Macron.

3. Semafor

   5 Nov 2026, 11:39 UTCSource ↗

   Semafor reports that France faces a nationwide general strike, with students, labour unions and the 'yellow vest' movement joining the protests.

4. Euronews

   5 Nov 2026, 11:55 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that hundreds of thousands joined a fourth nationwide day of protests, with police using tear gas outside a Paris school while major demonstrations disrupted Marseille and Nantes.

5. BBC

   5 Nov 2026, 13:04 UTCSource ↗

   BBC reports that the interior ministry estimates 600,000 people joined protests across France, while the unions say the number was far higher, as five of France's unions joined a national day of action.

6. ABC News

   5 Nov 2026, 14:02 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that French trade unions joined nationwide strikes and demonstrations to demand higher wages and support the high school protest movement, piling pressure on Macron's government.