Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Thursday in a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations organized by unions, students, and the revived Yellow Vests movement.

Government estimates placed turnout at around 575,000 people at nearly 200 events, while the CGT union claimed nearly 1.6 million participants, including 350,000 in Paris. The Interior Ministry deployed 70,000 police officers amid concerns over violence following earlier unrest.

The action began with student protests in September over underfunded high schools and expanded to include demands for higher wages, a minimum wage increase, and opposition to proposed budget cuts. Rail services faced disruptions on regional lines, some schools closed, and teachers struck in significant numbers.

Yellow Vests activists, who first emerged in 2018 against fuel taxes and living costs, rejoined the mobilization and called for additional blockades Friday and demonstrations Saturday. The movement has pushed for President Emmanuel Macron's departure and broader constitutional changes.

Clashes occurred in several cities, with riot police using tear gas in Lyon and Bordeaux. Authorities reported 448 arrests and 53 officers injured by the end of the day. Most marches remained peaceful despite the large scale.

The protests coincide with parliamentary struggles over the 2027 budget and come six months before presidential elections, where polls show the far right leading. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced talks with unions and employers next week on wages and purchasing power.

Unions have signaled further action if demands for wage hikes and budget revisions are not met, extending pressure on the government into the coming weeks.