The key facts

  • On November 5, French trade unions held a day of mobilization for wage increases
  • The CGT reported more than 250,000 participants in 73 cities as of 1:00 pm (3:00 pm Moscow time)
  • CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet demanded wage increases for all, measures against the high cost of living, and resources for public services

Trade union day of mobilization in France

On November 5, France is holding a nationwide day of mobilization declared by trade unions in support of wage increases. According to the BFMTV television channel, citing the trade union federation the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), by 1:00 pm local time (3:00 pm Moscow time) more than 250,000 people had taken part in actions in 73 cities. 'In 73 cities, more than 250,000 demonstrators gathered as part of the day of mobilization declared by trade unions in support of wage increases,' the CGT specified. This is reported by Gazeta.Ru.

Trade union demands

Before the start of the march in Paris, CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet demanded an increase in 'all wages,' the adoption of measures against the high cost of living, as well as resources for public services.

The context of European protests

The actions in France are taking place against the backdrop of unrest in other European countries. According to Gazeta.Ru, protests took place in many European cities over the past weekend: in Switzerland, a march escalated into major riots and clashes with police, in Germany and France protesters resorted to open looting, and in Poland Russia was accused of supporting street demonstrations. The causes and consequences of mass protests in Europe were examined by the publication in a separate article. Earlier, according to Gazeta.Ru, Vladimir Putin named one of the causes of the mass protests in France.