France saw its protests in years as hundreds of thousands marched against the rising cost of living. The Interior Ministry estimated 575,000 people joined 193 events across the country on Thursday, the highest since unrest began in September, while the CGT union put turnout at 1.57 million in 207 cities. Workers, students, teachers, and health staff demanded higher wages and protection for public services. Police fired tear gas as clashes broke out. The government is struggling to pass a 2027 budget seeking billions in savings while debt nears 120 percent.
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