France Braces for Large Demonstrations and Strike on Thursday
French trade unions have called for demonstrations and a strike to demand higher wages and oppose cuts to social spending. Authorities expect hundreds of thousands of participants.
Trade unions in France have called nationwide demonstrations for Thursday, 5 November 2026, demanding wage increases and opposing cuts to social spending. Authorities expect hundreds of thousands of people to take to the streets, so the day could affect both the country's domestic political situation and its transport services.
Security and strike
The protests will take place under a heightened security presence to prevent violence. The unions have also urged people to strike, and public sector workers are likely to heed the call. It is not yet clear how much disruption the strike will cause.
Transport
According to media reports, the state railway operator SNCF forecasts only minor disruption on long-distance routes. It is also unclear whether a strike by air traffic controllers will significantly disrupt flights. The Paris metro will run as usual.
Support and earlier actions
The unions' call is backed by the Yellow Vests movement, as well as student and pupil organisations. On each of the last three Saturdays, these groups held demonstrations against the cost of living and for better education. In several cases the demonstrations turned violent.
The government's position
The government is trying to reach a compromise with the protesters. French Economy Minister Roland Lescure told the television channel BFMTV that the government is considering how much the minimum wage could be raised on top of the increase already planned for January 2027.
