Issued on: 05/11/2026 - 06:53Modified: 05/11/2026 - 09:28

Protesters hold placards reading, "No to a France held by the markets and avarice" during nationwide demonstrations in Montpellier, southern France on October 31, 2026. © Sylvain Thomas, AFP

Strikes and demonstrations are planned across France on Thursday, with trade unions urging the government to support households struggling with rising living costs. The nationwide action follows weeks of social unrest. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

Around 17% of public primary school teachers expected to strike, ministry says

The French education ministry has said 17.5% of public primary school teachers are expected to strike today.

Students have been protesting over conditions in ​schools and growing uncertainty over their future.

"We're trying to keep mobilising as much as possible. Some people aren't doing so because they're afraid. A lot of people are afraid of police violence," said Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student ​in Paris, told Reuters.

The French government has defended police tactics while saying any abuses would be investigated.

Paris court approves alternate protest route proposed by police

A Paris court late Wednesday approved an alternative protest route proposed by the police prefecture between Place de la République and Place de la Nation, which had been contested by strike organisers.

The inter-union coalition expects between 500,000 to 700,000 people to join strikes outside Paris and 40,000 to 80,000 people in the capital.

Following demonstrations marred by violence and clashes with law enforcement — particularly on October 17 — today's nationwide strikes issues include protests over alleged infringements of the freedom to demonstrate. Organisations such as the Magistrates’ Union (SM), the French Lawyers’ Union (SAF), and the Human Rights League (LDH), have denounced an “authoritarian shift” and filed a complaint at France's top court.

Around 70,000 police deployed nationwide

French authorities have sought to lower tensions after riots and looting on October 17 ⁠caught security forces off guard, leaving damaged shops and public buildings across the country and fuelling criticism of Macron's handling of the crisis.

"We are extremely vigilant because it is out of the question to relive October ​17," government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told a press conference after Wednesday's cabinet meeting.

Around 70,000 police have been deployed nationwide with the domestic intelligence service expecting between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris, it said.

Macron convened a defence and security ​meeting on Wednesday ahead of the protests, underlining how a movement that began with student ​anger over deteriorating school conditions and concerns about opportunities for young people has evolved into a broader challenge to his government.

France braces for nationwide strikes in fresh test for Macron

Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to march through French cities and public workers to strike, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of ​unrest that have rattled ‌his government and dominated the agenda five months ahead of a presidential election.

The mobilisation, called ⁠by trade unions including the left-wing CGT and backed by student groups, comes after demonstrations over living costs, public services and education triggered the worst civil unrest France ‌has seen in years.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of France's nationwide strikes.