Numbers surge in French protests as unions join strikes

Part of a developing story

French unions stage nationwide strikes and marches

Unions and workers held strikes and marches across France on 5 November, with protests focused on living costs, public services and wages. BBC News reported that five unions joined the national action, while Euronews described calls for a dignified wage. The Guardian reported that hundreds of thousands demonstrated and that 70,000 police officers were deployed; Anadolu Agency had earlier said up to 700,000 protesters were expected. CNBC reported that the National Assembly unanimously rejected the government’s proposed 2027 budget before the protests.