French unions stage nationwide strike and demonstrations

French trade unions staged a nationwide strike and demonstrations on November 5, joined by students, to press for higher wages, tax changes and improved school conditions. By afternoon, the CGT union said more than 250,000 people were taking part in events across 73 cities. Authorities had forecast 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators nationwide, a projection rather than a final count. The action involved workers in education, rail, public hospitals and postal services, with power-sector and air-traffic-control workers also called to join. The unions sought an increase in the minimum wage, broad wage rises, tax reforms and better conditions for young people in schools. Their demands came amid public concern over the cost of living and inequality. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 70,000 police officers and security forces would be deployed across the country. Authorities said the preparations were intended to manage demonstrations after unrest at earlier protests. Most gatherings were reported to be peaceful, although clashes and police use of tear gas were reported in some locations. In Lyon, reports described clashes during the march and police using tear gas; one...