France gears up for strikes and protests as unions promise national mobilisation

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators are expected to take part in marches across France as five unions join strikes and protests in a national day of action.

The protests began in September with high school students complaining about poor conditions and resources in education, but have spread to include the so-called "yellow-vest" movement and workers.

Authorities expect 500,000 to 700,000 demonstrators to join marches, with tens of thousands more in Paris alone, in a day billed by one union leader as "a great day of convergence".

The five unions have combined forces across the public and private sector, with demands for higher wages to combat the cost of living and protected public services.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said that 70,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed, vowing "an extremely firm response" to any potential outbreaks of violence.

More than 250 separate actions are planned for 5 November, with some disruption reported in schools, hospitals and public transport.

Workers have also been asked to halt production at oil refineries, and France is expected to import more electricity than it produces on Thursday because of disruption at nuclear plants.

A coalition of unions has urged workers, pensioners and young people to join Thursday's day of strikes to intensify pressure on the government. In particular they are seeking a rise in the minimum wage, or Smic, which is currently €12.31 (£10) an hour.

The head of the CFDT union, Marylise Léon, complained that it was not just the minimum wage that needed to increase: "We are asking for a net increase of €100 a month."

The government has sought to appease public anger over rising prices, bringing down the cost of fuel by releasing 10 million barrels of diesel from strategic reserves. Ministers have also promised school students to reform the unpopular Parcoursup university admissions platform and eventually replace it by 2028.

Some 81 lycées - high schools that cater for 15-18 year-olds - were shut on Thursday morning, according to the education ministry. It added that about 17.5% of primary schools too were affected by the strikes.

Large numbers are expected on the streets, especially in the capital, and Léon said she would be happy if 800,000 people turned out.

One union leader Sophie Binet, who called it the "great day of convergence", added: "The time has come to take the mobilisation to the next level; the strike must take over."

Meanwhile, a revived gilets jaunes (yellow-vest) movement that staged a revolt against the high cost of living several years ago has called for further blockades and protests on Friday and Saturday too.