A large nationwide protest swept France on November 6, 2026, drawing about 575,000 participants across 193 events, marking the largest turnout since unrest began in September amid debates over wages, cost of living, and public services.

Demonstrations largely stayed peaceful, but a few groups attempted to march outside designated areas, prompting security intervention and some violence, including a fire at a high school near Toulouse.

Rallies were led by thousands in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities, with the Paris march drawing students, workers and retirees carrying messages about inequality and wages.

The government plans to issue a decree to push branch agreements to raise wages in line with SMIC increases, aiming to prevent erosion of pay, with the move tied to 2026 legislation pending implementation.

A social conference is set for Matignon on Monday, with Prime Minister Lecornu hosting unions and employers to address purchasing power and wage issues, including Smic and branch minima, as consultations run through the week.

Labour and public services ministers, led by Jean-Pierre Farandou and David Amiel, will participate in ongoing discussions to seek convergence on wage negotiations in companies.

Farandou said reaching a 1500-euro net wage threshold would be a meaningful symbol of government action, with a decision expected next week and timing aligned with policy implementation.

Unions such as CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, Unsa, FSU and Solidaires warned that continued mobilization hinges on substantive government responses to wage-related demands.

In response to protests, the government proposed relief measures and budget steps for 2027, including incentives for workers under 30 as part of broader efforts to address purchasing power and living costs.

Public sector strikes and protests persist as unions push for a budget in parliament, arguing that wages and pensions lag behind rising costs of fuel, food, housing and energy.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said security forces protected city centers and warned of potential overnight unrest, underscoring a firm response to any escalation.

Unions emphasized that only meaningful wage improvements would quell mobilization, framing continued action as a test of the government's willingness to negotiate.