Over 600,000 march across France over rising prices, low pay and education budget cuts

Paris: Anger over rising prices, low pay and cuts to the education budget spilled onto the streets of France. More than 600,000 people took part in protests across the country. Large rallies were held from Paris to Lyon and Marseille, drawn from students, workers and retired people.

Clashes broke out in some cities, but most protests were peaceful. The movement began in September with a protest at a high school against staff shortages. Students were first demanding a bigger education budget, and workers gradually joined them. With prices rising, they are now demanding higher wages and pensions.

French trade unions say the prices of fuel, food, rent, gas and electricity are rising, but people's earnings are not keeping pace. The protest also affected schools. About a third of the country's high schools were either shut or unable to function normally.

At some schools students blocked roads, while teachers went on strike in several other areas. Public transport was also affected in some places. The Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed on Thursday. At the Paris protest, students stood holding placards expressing concern over inequality and the future. Workers demanded better pay and pensions after retirement.

Security was tight for the protests, with 70,000 police personnel deployed across the country. Armoured vehicles, drones and helicopters were also deployed to support them. Even so, the protests were not always calm. In Rennes, some masked people tried to block roads. Officials said steel balls were also thrown at police.

French trade unions have warned that the country is heading towards a recession and that plans for staff layoffs at companies are increasing. The unions say the government has failed to ease people's everyday hardships. For this reason, the movement is no longer confined to students, and many sections of society have joined it.