French unions stage nationwide strikes and protests, seeking higher wages and protected public services

Five French unions have joined a national day of strikes and protests, with more than 250 actions planned for 5 November. Authorities expect 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators across France, including tens of thousands in Paris, and have deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes. The unions are demanding higher wages to counter the cost of living, protected public services, and an increase in the minimum wage, Smic, currently €12.31 an hour; CFDT head Marylise Léon said workers are asking for a net increase of €100 a month. The action has closed 81 high schools and affected about 17.5% of primary schools, with disruption also reported in hospitals and public transport. Workers have been asked to halt production at oil refineries, and France is expected to import more electricity than it produces on Thursday because of disruption at nuclear plants. The government has released 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves to lower fuel costs and promised to reform the Parcoursup university admissions platform, eventually replacing it by 2028. A revived yellow-vest movement has called for further blockades and protests on Friday and Saturday.