France put 70,000 police officers on duty Thursday as tens of thousands joined nationwide strikes and demonstrations organized after left-wing groups called for people to mobilize.
The Eiffel Tower shut its doors in Paris. In Lyon, riot police used tear gas and charged protesters, while a high school near Toulouse was set on fire, according to reports.
“We need to turn up in big numbers on the streets today,” CGT union leader Sophie Binet said.
The protests follow violent demonstrations in October. President Emmanuel Macron, who is leaving office, blamed what he called “ultra-left groups” seeking to bring down the Republic.
An official close to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said about 270,000 people had taken part in union actions at 180 rallies outside Paris by early Thursday.
Roughly one-third of France’s high schools were closed or unable to operate. Some were affected by student blockades; in other cases, teachers were on strike.
Nuñez said the police deployment would be supported by armored vehicles, drones and helicopters. In Brittany, authorities reported that masked people tried to block roads in Rennes. Some also carried out what officials described as serious violence, including throwing steel balls at police.
France’s major unions say the country is nearing recession and that layoffs are becoming more common. In a joint statement, they pointed to rising costs for fuel, food, rent, gas and electricity, while wages and pensions have not kept pace.
Before the demonstrations, the U.S. Embassy urged Americans in France to stay alert, warning of major disruptions, possible sudden curfews and the risk of violence.
The rallies are taking place as political parties maneuver ahead of next May’s presidential election. Macron cannot serve a third consecutive term, and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is currently viewed as the leading contender.
