General strike and widespread protests draw 700,000 demonstrators across France

France experienced significant disruptions on Thursday due to a general strike and massive street demonstrations drawing roughly 700,000 participants protesting against soaring living costs and high prices. Trade unions called upon both public and private sector employees, alongside retirees and young people, to join the mobilization, which also received backing from student groups and yellow vest supporters. These events build upon protests that originated in Paris in September and previously forced the closure of thousands of schools, eventually spreading nationwide and broadening their scope beyond education to target economic hardships. Meanwhile, the government is attempting negotiations, with Economy Minister Roland Lescure stating that authorities are reviewing a potential increase in the minimum wage regarding both the amount and timing, with upcoming announcements expected. Security measures were heightened by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who deployed 70,000 police and gendarmerie personnel while warning of strict responses to any misconduct. In the transport sector, the national railway company anticipated only minor delays, the Paris metro operated as usual, and it remained uncertain whether air traffic controllers' actions would cause major flight disruptions.