France cost-of-living protests draw 146,000 onto the streets

Protests against the rising cost of living and higher fuel prices took place across France yesterday morning. The Interior Ministry said 146,000 people took part nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris, while trade unions put the national figure at 250,000.

An earlier union-organised demonstration a few days ago drew about 575,000 participants. Reports said police clashed with protesters in several cities.

UPDATE: Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on Monday that France's minimum wage increase will be brought forward from January to December, in a bid to calm the nationwide protest wave over the cost of living. Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou said the wage will rise 1.6 percent, taking the monthly net minimum to 1,502 euros, a gain of 24 euros a month. The increase, normally applied each January 1 in line with inflation, is the second-largest in 20 years, Lecornu said after meeting unions and employers' federations. Union leaders dismissed it: CFDT chief Marylise Leon called it insufficient and CGT leader Sophie Binet called it crumbs, calling fresh protests for November 17. The CFDT wants a 100-euro rise and the CGT 10 percent, about 150 euros. With far-right leader Marine Le Pen leading polls five months before the presidential election, the government is watching social tensions closely.