Social unrest peaks in France with nationwide strikes and protests

Trade unions in France have called upon both private sector employees and public servants to walk off the job, inviting retirees and young people to march alongside them. This marks the first joint appeal involving both sectors since the start of the academic year, joined by high schoolers, university students, yellow vests, and farmers who are continuing their protests against the high cost of living that began in mid-September. Marylise Léon, general secretary of the moderate CFDT union, stated it would be a significant mobilization. Authorities anticipate between 500,000 and 700,000 participants outside Paris on Thursday, alongside 40,000 to 80,000 individuals within the capital. On Wednesday evening, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers and gendarmes, promising extreme firmness against any potential unrest. The extent of strike participation across companies remains uncertain amid declining purchasing power. CGT leader Sophie Binet urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to demand the fulfillment of their grievances. Union representatives are asking for an increase in the minimum wage and overall salaries, greater tax fairness, the preservation of public services, and improved study conditions for the youth. Regarding the legal minimum wage known as the SMIC, Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou stated on Tuesday that he hopes to make announcements around November 5th, though he did not specify whether this would involve a boost to the base hourly wage. Meanwhile, Frédéric Souillot of the FO union demanded in Le Parisien for swift action on the SMIC followed immediately by rapid wage negotiations, while already contemplating further demonstrations and a renewable strike.