Live: France braces for nationwide strikes in fresh test for Macron’s policies

Key Points:

• Firefighters have brought a trash can fire outside Le Corbusier high school in Aubervilliers, a northeastern suburb of Paris, under control; police presence remains significant but the situation is currently calm.
• Approximately 17.5% of public primary school teachers in France are expected to strike amid ongoing student protests over school conditions and future uncertainties, with concerns about police violence affecting participation.
• A Paris court approved an alternative protest route between Place de la République and Place de la Nation, despite opposition from strike organisers; nationwide strikes are anticipated to attract between 500,000 and 700,000 participants outside Paris and up to 80,000 in the capital.
• French authorities have deployed around 70,000 police officers nationwide to prevent a repeat of the violent riots and looting seen on October 17, with government officials emphasizing vigilance ahead of the large-scale protests.
• The nationwide strikes and demonstrations represent a significant challenge to President Emmanuel Macron’s government, with protests evolving from student anger over education to broader grievances about living costs and public services, occurring five months before the presidential election.