French workers flood streets for anti-government protests
Summary
Tens of thousands of workers joined a national strike and protests across France on Nov. 5, 2026, over low wages and the rising cost of living. Unions and the Interior Ministry gave sharply different estimates of turnout, and some rallies ended in clashes with police and property damage.Key Facts
- The General Confederation of Labour estimated that 1.6 million people joined the protests; France’s Interior Ministry estimated about 600,000.
- The national day of action began with nearly 200 rallies across the country.
- Government workers, teachers, transport employees and other union members took part in the strike.
- Protesters called for lower military and domestic law-enforcement spending and more funding for social services.
- Police used tear gas to clear protesters in some areas, and clashes occurred at several demonstrations.
- Protesters burned a car in Lyon and set objects on fire in Paris; demonstrations briefly closed the Eiffel Tower.
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for a meeting with unions, and another protest was scheduled for Saturday.
- The protest movement began among students in late September over school conditions, teacher shortages and infrastructure problems, then broadened to other groups.
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