Paris: Around 270,000 people took part in 180 demonstrations across France as labour unions staged a nationwide strike demanding higher wages, better pensions and measures to ease the cost of living.
Protests were reported in major cities, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille, with demonstrators also expressing solidarity with student movements. While most rallies remained peaceful, clashes broke out between protesters and police in some areas, prompting the use of tear gas.
Student protests have disrupted education, forcing around one-third of high schools to close. Public transport services have also been affected, while the Eiffel Tower has been shut to tourists. A school near Toulouse was reportedly set on fire.
The government deployed 70,000 police personnel to maintain order. Meanwhile, the US Embassy issued a security alert for American citizens travelling in France.
