Industrial action across France is set to disrupt critical infrastructure, halting refinery production and forcing the country to import electricity due to nuclear plant walkouts. Demonstrators are demanding a €100 net monthly increase alongside an adjustment to the €12.31 hourly minimum wage. To curb economic fallout and social discontent, the government plans to release 10 million barrels of diesel from reserves and phase out the Parcoursup admissions system by 2028. Meanwhile, security forces are strictly monitoring routes to prevent looting and radical violence.
Key points
Nuclear plant walkouts are expected to cut domestic power generation and force France to…: Nuclear plant walkouts are expected to cut domestic power generation and force France to import electricity.
The government will release 10 million barrels of strategic diesel reserves to mitigate p…: The government will release 10 million barrels of strategic diesel reserves to mitigate potential fuel supply shortages.
Security officials diverted the Paris march from sensitive government zones to a route be…: Security officials diverted the Paris march from sensitive government zones to a route between Place de la République and Place de la Nation.
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Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators are expected to take part in marches across France as five unions join strikes and protests in a national day of action.
The protests began in September with high school students complaining about poor conditions and resources in education, but have spread to include the so-called "yellow vest" movement and workers.
Authorities expect 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators to join marches, with tens of thousands more in Paris alone, in a day billed by one union leader as "a great day of convergence".
The five unions have combined forces across the public and private sector, with demands for higher wages to combat the cost of living and protected public services.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said that 70,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed, vowing "an extremely firm response" to any potential outbreaks of violence.
More than 250 separate actions are planned for 5 November, with some disruption reported in schools, hospitals and public transport.
Workers have also been asked to halt production at oil refineries, and France is expected to import more electricity…
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