France protests draw 600,000 by ministry count as unions claim 1.6 million

Tens of thousands of union members, students, teachers and other workers joined strikes and demonstrations across France, pressing for higher wages, better school funding and improved public services amid rising living costs. Turnout estimates varied widely: the Interior Ministry put participation at about 600,000, while unions claimed as many as 1.6 million. Most marches were peaceful, but clashes and sporadic violence occurred in some cities; school closures and blockades, teacher strikes and major transport disruptions were also reported. The protests broadened a student-led campaign over learning conditions into a wider challenge to government policies and economic pressures.