Nationwide Strike Paralyzes France as Thousands Protest Cost of Living

France faced widespread disruptions as more than 250,000 demonstrators took to the streets across nearly 70 towns and cities during a nationwide general strike. Organized by five major trade unions representing both public and private sectors, the protests brought together high school students, retirees, and members of the yellow vest movement to demand significant wage increases, the protection of public services, and relief from the soaring cost of living.

The wave of demonstrations caused severe disruptions across critical infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, and public transportation networks experienced major delays and closures. In Paris, iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and several exhibition halls at the Louvre Museum were shut down. Refinery workers were urged to halt production, while disruptions at nuclear power plants forced France to rely on electricity imports to meet domestic demand.

Union leaders emphasized that the mobilization marks a critical escalation following weeks of smaller protests against resource shortages in secondary education. A central demand of the striking workers is a substantial increase in the minimum wage, known as the Smic, which currently stands at 12.31 euros per hour. Marylise Leon, head of the CFDT union, called for a net monthly salary increase of 100 euros for low-income earners, noting that public pressure on the government will continue to mount.

In response to the mounting social crisis, the government announced emergency measures, releasing 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves to lower fuel prices and pledging to reform the contentious university admission system, Parcoursup, by 2028. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide, promising a firm response to any violence following minor clashes and property damage reported in cities such as Lyon and Paris.