Thousands of workers and students across France have taken to the streets in nationwide strikes and demonstrations, demanding higher wages and stronger public services as living costs rise.
The protests have spread to a number of major cities, prompting authorities to impose restrictions on protest routes in Paris, Lyon and at least half a dozen other urban centres.
Organisers, including labour unions and student groups, say current wages are insufficient to keep pace with the cost of everyday expenses, and they are calling for stronger public services to alleviate the pressure on households.
French officials have responded by limiting the paths demonstrators may follow, citing the need to maintain public order while the protests continue.
The demonstrations underscore growing economic discontent in the country, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the strikes persist.
<small>Source: Africanews — read the original story there.</small>
