Photos: Thousands rally in France over rising costs and economic struggles

What the report says

Thousands of trade union members and supporters took part in strikes and demonstrations across France on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera, as unions pressed the government to respond to rising living costs, wage demands and wider economic strain. The protests were held in major cities including Paris, Lyon and Marseille, with unions saying about 260 rallies were planned nationwide.

The article said the day of action also drew in students, with high school blockades and walkouts contributing to disruption at about a third of France’s high schools. Public transport was heavily affected, and the Eiffel Tower was closed for the day. In some areas, authorities increased security; Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 70,000 police officers were deployed, backed by armoured vehicles, drones and helicopters.

In Paris, demonstrators gathered at Place de la Republique in a largely festive atmosphere despite the heavy police presence, after earlier protests had seen rioting and looting. Union leaders described the situation as a response to worsening pressures on households, with prices for essentials continuing to rise faster than pay and pensions.

The broader backdrop, as reported by Al Jazeera, is a widening protest movement that began with education-related grievances and has since expanded into a wider challenge to President Emmanuel Macron’s government ahead of next year’s presidential race.