FRANCE is bracing for nationwide strikes and demonstrations on Thursday, with hundreds of thousands expected to protest over rising living costs, deteriorating public services and education, putting fresh pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government five months ahead of the presidential election.
The mobilisation, organised by trade unions including the left-wing CGT and backed by student groups, follows weeks of unrest that culminated in October 17 riots and looting, leaving shops and public buildings damaged across the country.
Authorities are deploying around 70,000 police officers nationwide, while France's domestic intelligence service estimates that between 500,000 and 700,000 people could join demonstrations outside Paris, BFM TV reported.
"We are extremely vigilant because it is out of the question to relive October 17," Reuters cited government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon telling a press conference after Wednesday's cabinet meeting.
The Education Ministry estimated that 17.5 per cent of public primary school teachers would join the strike, while trade unions warned of possible disruptions to rail and public transport services.
Students are also expected to participate, citing deteriorating school conditions and growing uncertainty over their future prospects.
"We're trying to keep mobilising as much as possible. Some people aren't doing so because they're afraid. A lot of people are afraid of police violence," said Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student in Paris.
The government has defended police tactics while maintaining that any alleged abuses would be investigated.
Macron convened a defence and security meeting on Wednesday ahead of the demonstrations, reflecting the growing political significance of a movement that began with student grievances but has expanded into a wider challenge over government policies and living standards.
"The goal in the coming weeks is to get the river that overflowed back into its bed and to launch the presidential election in the calmest possible conditions," an official close to Macron said, pointing to a decline in the number of high schools blockaded this week.
Nationwide demonstrations last Saturday were largely peaceful, although some clashes occurred on the fringes.
Nevertheless, political tensions remain high as presidential election candidates position themselves and opposition parties seek to capitalise on public dissatisfaction over living standards and government policies.
French power sector unions are also expected to join Thursday's industrial action, state-owned utility EDF said.
A previous strike in the electricity sector in mid-September reduced power supply and cut delivery capacity at Dunkirk LNG, France's largest liquefied natural gas terminal. - November 5, 2026
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