The demonstrations of November 5, organized by the inter-union to defend public services and social rights, attracted hundreds of thousands of participants throughout France. The Ministry of the Interior estimated attendance at 600,000 people, including in Paris, while the CGT confederation reported over 250,000 participants in 73 columns. The event, initially triggered by the student movement in September, became a gathering point for protests against the cost of living and government reforms. [4]
In Lyon, where attendance was estimated between 30,500 (according to the prefecture) and 55,000 (according to the inter-union), many participants 'sacrificed' a day's pay to join the protest. Jean-Marc, a 59-year-old bus driver, said he did not hesitate for a moment, explaining that it was important to show solidarity with schools asking for more resources and for a cause of better social justice. Anne-Cécile, a primary school teacher, admitted that losing a day's work meant about 100 euros at the end of the month, but emphasized that they had no other choice given the deterioration of living conditions. [6]
For others, the measures taken varied: an IT programmer joined the march without being registered as on strike, to avoid salary penalties, but used the national flag to emphasize social cohesion; other couples organized internal strategies so that one of them would always participate in protests. However, public sector employees, such as teachers, considered the salary reduction due to the strike a 'small gift' to the state, hoping to recover it through future improvements in salaries and working conditions. [6]
As the protest expanded nationally, tensions and isolated incidents increased. In Paris, authorities confiscated banners considered hostile and intervened to disperse disturbances caused by masked individuals, partially blocking the march route. On the other hand, in Lyon, students at the National School of Fine Arts (Ensab) organized 'strike courses' to show their solidarity with high school students. [4] [5]
In Créteil, where the high school movement began in September, students observed a free school day. Leaders of the local movement, including Ibrahim, expressed some disappointment that the protest was taken over and amplified by unions and politicians, feeling dispossessed of the initial movement. Nevertheless, many students there will travel to Paris to contribute to the national media coverage of the protest. [5] [6]
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- 20 Minutes EN DIRECT Grève du 5 novembre : Un lycée incendié près de Toulouse, un tiers des établissements du supérieur perturbés...
- 20 Minutes Manifestation du 5 novembre : Aux Beaux-Arts de Lyon, on a suivi un « cours de grève » pour soutenir les lycéens
- fr.news.yahoo.com Manifestation du 5 novembre : Aux Beaux-Arts de Lyon, on a suivi un « cours de grève » pour soutenir les lycéens
- 20 Minutes EN DIRECT Manifestations du 5 novembre : Une enseignante blessée par un mortier, des militants syndicaux frappés à Rennes...
- 20 Minutes Manifestation du 5 novembre : A Créteil, berceau du mouvement lycéen, des ados fiers mais dépossédés
- 20 Minutes Manifestation du 5 novembre : « On est à 100 euros près en fin de mois »… Ils « sacrifient » leur salaire pour la grève
