Hundreds of thousands of striking workers across France have taken to the streets to protest against the rising cost of living, presenting a renewed challenge to President Emmanuel Macron. The rallies on Thursday, largely peaceful but marred by clashes in several cities, saw at least 575,000 people participate nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry, while the CGT union estimated the turnout at 1.6 million.

Strikers are demanding a higher minimum wage, raises for all workers, changes to the tax system, and better conditions in schools. The protests, which began in September with student demonstrations against poor conditions in public schools, have since merged with broader anger over living costs and inequality, culminating in the country’s worst rioting in years on October 17.

The one-day strike, called by unions representing various sectors, including teachers, rail workers, hospital staff, postal employees, and some energy workers, comes five months ahead of elections to replace Macron, with the far right leading in opinion polls. In Paris, the mood was initially festive, with a diverse crowd singing the national anthem as carnival-style floats rolled through the streets. However, clashes later broke out between protesters and police, who fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Similar scenes unfolded in Lyon, where riot police charged a group of protesters, some dressed in black with their faces covered, who shouted anti-police slogans. The Interior Ministry reported that officers faced several hundred “black bloc” protesters and that at least one vehicle was set on fire.

Protesters expressed anger over the social situation in France, with many citing low wages, rising prices, and a lack of public services in universities and high schools. The movement has given hope to some, with one protester in Marseille stating, “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen anything like this.”

Several high-profile politicians attended the marches, including presidential candidates Jean-Luc Melenchon and Raphael Glucksmann. The government had promised “an extremely firm response” to any violence, deploying 70,000 officers nationwide. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to meet with labour unions and employer groups on Monday to discuss wages and living costs.

The unrest in France is part of a broader wave of discontent across Europe, with young people in Germany, Spain, Greece, Italy, and elsewhere staging similar protests in recent weeks. As the country gears up for elections in April, the protests add pressure on the government to address the growing concerns over the cost of living and inequality.