Huge crowds march in France as protests put pressure on French government
Associated Press ·
Mass protests have drawn huge crowds across France, including Paris, demanding higher wages and supporting the student protest movement. France’s Interior Ministry says over 600,000 people rallied Thursday, while a major union said nearly 1.6 million participated nationwide. The Paris march proceeded peacefully, with students, workers, and retirees joining. About a third of France’s high schools were closed, and public transportation was disrupted. Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers amid tensions. The movement began in September and has spread nationwide, with political leaders seeking to capitalize on it.