French protests see numbers surge as unions join strikes over high cost of living

More than 600,000 protesters have taken part in rallies and marches across France, according to France's interior ministry, with five unions joining a day of action demanding more money for wages and public services.

The left-wing CGT union put the number of people taking part in Thursday's mobilisation at 1.57 million and hailed the figure as "a level unmatched" since 2023, citing big protests in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Lille.

As darkness fell in Paris, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he would convene a "social conference" with unions and employers next Monday.

The wave of protests began in September over poor conditions and resources at lycées (high schools), before spreading to universities, workers and a revived "yellow-vest" movement against high prices.