France holds new strikes and protests as unions demand immediate answers

Protests are taking place across France after five unions launched a national day of strike action, joining high school students and demonstrators criticising the rising cost of living.

More than 250,000 people had taken to the streets in almost 70 towns and cities by 13:00 (12:00 GMT) on Thursday, and that was “just the start”, said Sophie Binet of the CGT union.

The unions have vowed to take the wave of protests that began in September over poor conditions and resources at lycées (high schools) “to the next level”. They have since spread to include workers and the so-called “yellow-vest” movement against high prices.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police were being deployed, vowing “an extremely firm response” to any potential outbreaks of violence.

Some unrest was reported early on Thursday afternoon in Lyon where a car was set alight, in incidents blamed on hundreds of people belonging to the radical left-wing “black bloc”.

The five unions have combined forces across the public and private sector, announcing more than 250 separate actions as part of their campaign for higher wages to combat the cost of living and protect public services.

Binet told reporters at the start of a march in central Paris that protesters had “just reached a new level in their mobilisation” and were demanding immediate answers.

Disruption was reported in schools, hospitals and public transport, and the Eiffel Tower and some exhibition rooms at the Louvre museum in Paris had to close.

Workers were also asked to halt production at oil refineries and France was expected to import more electricity than it produced on Thursday because of disruption at nuclear plants.

A coalition of unions has urged workers, pensioners and young people to join Thursday’s day of strikes to intensify pressure on the government. In particular they are seeking a rise in the minimum wage, or Smic, which is currently €12.31 (£10) an hour.