More than 170 protests are expected in France in a single day

Just two days before the parliamentary debate on the 2027 budget, France’s inter-union coalition has called for a nationwide strike to demand higher wages for public sector workers, Euronews reports.

From Saint-Céré, a small town of just 3,400 residents, to major industrial centers and Paris with its millions, French civil servants took to the streets today for mass protests.

More than 170 demonstrations were expected across the country. All major trade unions urged teachers, healthcare workers, local government employees, and firefighters to join the mobilization.

According to authorities, between 25,000 and 50,000 people are expected to take part, demanding higher public sector pay and “adequate budgetary resources” to properly fulfill public service missions.

Earlier, Deutsche Welle reported that student protests spread to high schools across France. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported incidents at around 180 establishments resulting in 164 arrests and injuries to 12 students, three teachers and 12 police officers.

French high school students have been blocking school entrances since last week to protest overcrowded classrooms, the curriculum, poor-quality learning materials, and severe teacher shortages.