Protests erupt again across France over high cost of living

Protest marches drew huge crowds Thursday in Paris and elsewhere across France as demonstrators demanded higher wages and backed the country's student protest movement, piling fresh pressure on the beleaguered government.

France's Interior Ministry said more than 600,000 people took to the streets while the CGT, one of France's major unions, said nearly 1.6 million people took part in over 200 demonstrations nationwide. The figures exceed those reported on October 17th, when protests were marred by scenes of rioting and looting.

The Paris march proceeded peacefully, with students, workers and retirees joining. The CGT, which estimated 350,000 marched in Paris, said the turnout marked a new stage in the mobilisation and vowed to "continue its fight for as long as necessary to force the government and employers to give in to its demands."

About a third of France's high schools were closed or unable to operate, some because of student blockades and others because teachers were on strike. Public transportation was disrupted in some areas. The Eiffel Tower was also closed.

Large, recurring protests in recent weeks have been marred by violence, which authorities blamed on masked far-left radicals seeking to incite insurrection and others intent on looting. France's main unions warned the country is on the brink of recession and layoff plans are multiplying.

Before the strike action, the government had been negotiating with unions. a familiar scenario in French politics - in hopes of limiting the protest movement, which has resulted in France's most violent civil unrest in years.

The movement began in September with a protest over staff shortages at a high school southeast of Paris and spread nationwide. It drew students demanding more education funding and then broadened to workers seeking better pensions and help with soaring fuel prices and other costs.

Thursday's demonstrations come as the campaign to succeed Emmanuel Macron as president next May heats up. Political leaders are seeking to capitalise on the movement. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Right wing contender Marine Le Pen is the favourite to win.