France November 5 nationwide strike and protests, Digi Mart USA News: A nationwide strike and mobilization day in France, branded “jeudi noir” (black Thursday), is drawing growing public anger, according to a live report from Sud Ouest. The source describes it as the first massive call to mobilize across both the public and private sectors, and says it could mark the peak of a very heated social autumn.
High school and university students, who have continued a movement that began in mid-September, have joined the action. The yellow vest movement, which has relaunched protests against the high cost of living for three consecutive Saturdays, is also taking part, along with farmers from the Confédération paysanne and other groups.
Unions expect 500,000 to 700,000 people outside Paris and 40,000 to 80,000 in the capital. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Wednesday evening that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be mobilized, promising “an extremely firm response” to any excesses.
The unions are demanding an increase in the minimum wage (Smic), which the source says has not received a boost since 2012, along with a general raise in all salaries, greater tax fairness, the preservation of public services and better study conditions for young people.
Purchasing power is also central to the discontent, the report says, amid soaring fuel prices and a proposed austerity budget. The source notes that social anger has continued to grow since the end of summer.
