Protests are organised at the call of five leading French trade unions, while at the centre of the demonstrators’ demands are the continuing increase in the cost of living, the decline in purchasing power and dissatisfaction with the state of the educational system.

One of the trade unions’ main demands is the increase in minimum wage, which according to the current report is about 12.5 euros per hour. Union representatives warn that mobilization will continue until authorities take concrete steps to address citizens’ concerns.

Railway sector representatives stressed that rising prices are increasingly making life difficult for workers, demanding salaries that match daily expenses.

The situation has been tense in Paris and Marseilles, where clashes have been recorded between several protest groups and police. Some 70 thousand members of the order forces are engaged in ensuring security, while the Eiffel Tower is closed to visitors.

Parents who express concern about the quality of education and financial opportunities to provide a better future for their children have joined the protests. They require more support for schools and improved conditions in the educational system.

Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron has held meetings with security and defence officials in an effort to prevent the escalation of the situation and restore order.

Protest movement is not limited to France. Even in Athens, students have protested, demanding better conditions in education and higher salaries for teachers and professors.

Students have also expressed dissatisfaction with economic difficulties, the high cost of living, and the inability to secure financial independence.

Source Layer: RTKLive