Paris, Nov 5. (dpa/GNA) – French unions have called fresh demonstrations for Thursday, to lobby for higher wages and against social spending cuts, and are mobilizing for a general strike, with authorities anticipating several hundred thousand participants.
A large police presence is meant to prevent the kind of violence seen in mid-October at previous demonstrations.
Public sector employees are likely to heed the strike call, but it is still unclear how much disruption there will be for people travelling to France.
The state railway operator SNCF, expects only minor disruptions on long-distance services, according to media reports.
It was initially unclear whether a strike called by air traffic controllers would significantly disrupt air traffic. The Paris metro is due to run as usual.
The Yellow Vest movement and pupil and student organizations, are backing the protest call. They organized demonstrations on the past three Saturdays against high living costs and for better education.
Meanwhile, the government is trying to reach a compromise with the protesters.
Economy Minister Roland Lescure told broadcaster BFMTV that the government is examining to what extent the minimum wage can be raised further beyond the increase already due in January 2027. “The minimum wage is about two issues: the level and the timing,” the minister said. “In the coming days, we will be able to announce something.”
GNA