France prepares for nationwide strikes as unions call for protests over living costs and public services

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators are expected to march in cities across France on Thursday, as trade unions including the CGT call for a nationwide strike over rising living costs, public services and education. The mobilisation comes amid weeks of unrest that have dominated the political agenda ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

The French education ministry reported that about 17.5% of public primary school teachers are slated to strike, while student protests continue over school conditions and future prospects. "We're trying to keep mobilising as much as possible. Some people aren't doing so because they're afraid. A lot of people are afraid of police violence," said Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student in Paris.

A Paris court approved an alternative protest route between Place de la République and Place de la Nation after police proposed the change. Unions expect 500,000 to 700,000 participants outside Paris and 40,000 to 80,000 inside the capital.

Authorities have deployed around 70,000 police officers nationwide in response to earlier riots and looting on October 17. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said officials remain "extremely vigilant because it is out of the question to relive October 17." The domestic intelligence service warned of the large expected turnout and emphasized the need for security.

Separate incidents in Aubervilliers, a suburb northeast of Paris, saw firefighters extinguish a trash-can fire outside a high school and bring a larger blaze under control. Police presence was also noted at the scene.