Lakhs strike across France over rising prices and education spending cuts; figures differ widely

Anger is running high in France over economic policies, rising prices and cuts in government spending on education. On Thursday, lakhs of students, teachers, government employees and workers from various sectors took to the streets across the country. Protests were held in Paris and several other major cities.

The day-long agitation saw sharp clashes between protesters and police in some places. In Paris and Lyon, protesters tried to block roads at several points, forcing the police to intervene. Rubbish bins were set on fire in some places. Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds.

By night, the scene at the historic Place de la Nation in Paris was entirely different. Thousands of citizens, workers and students gathered there, carrying burning torches, colourful flares and banners with a variety of demands. Floats were also taken out and fireworks lit up the area. This unusual form of protest is being widely discussed on social media and in the media around the world.

There is a big gap between the figures given by France's Interior Ministry and by the labour unions on the size of the crowds. According to information given by the Interior Ministry, about 600,000 people took part across various cities. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), the main union leading the agitation, has claimed that more than 1.6 million people participated. Despite this difference in numbers, the agitation is believed to have put political and social pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government.

The movement began in September over a staff shortage at a high school. It gradually grew, with employees of other public sectors joining in. Students are demanding more government funding for school and higher education, repairs to dilapidated classrooms and quick filling of vacant teaching posts. They say that rising costs of study and living mean they need financial support. Employees and workers are demanding better pay, which has fallen short of inflation, the withdrawal of possible changes to the pension scheme, and an end to budget cuts in essential services such as health and education.

Thursday's one-day strike visibly affected public services and studies. About a third of the country's secondary schools (lycées) were either fully shut or disrupted. In many places, students blocked the main gates of schools with rubbish bins and benches. Bus, train and metro services were partly halted, causing hardship to commuters. For security reasons and because staff were on strike, the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris was also closed to tourists on Thursday. The labour unions have warned that the agitation will be intensified if the government does not accept their demands in the coming days.