Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers, firefighters, and students took to the streets across France to demand higher salaries and better public service funding. Demonstrations called by major unions took place in over 170 locations ahead of the government’s upcoming budget announcement. Participation estimates varied widely, with the Interior Ministry reporting 206,000 protesters while unions claimed turnout exceeded 300,000. Firefighters and education workers particularly highlighted severe staffing and equipment shortages that have strained their daily operations. The nationwide rallies eventually led to clashes in some areas, leaving ten people injured and resulting in 40 detentions.