A protester holds a placard reading ‘All prices increase not our wages! Revaluation'
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Tens of thousands of people marched in Paris on Sunday to protest the rising cost of living and the government’s inaction on climate change.
The demonstration occurred following weeks of strikes at oil refineries, as workers walked out over demands for higher wages.
The march was called by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France’s Left-wing coalition party France Unbowed. He has also called for a general strike on October 18.
"You’re going to live a week like no other, we are the ones who started it with this march," he told the crowd on Sunday, as reported by Reuters.
Why are French people protesting?
Oil refinery workers have been striking for weeks over pay, demanding a higher share of the profits being made by energy giants as well as pay rises in line with inflation.
As a result, petrol stations across France have been in short supply and motorists have been without gas.
The French government then requisitioned the refinery workers, meaning they had to go back to work or face a fine or jail time.
Mr Mélenchon and France’s Left-wing parties called for the protest on Sunday, October 16, to build on the refinery strikes’ momentum and to draw attention to the ongoing protests for higher pay.
Nobel literature prize-winner Annie Ernaux was among 60 public figures who called for people to join the march, according to France 24.
Who will strike on October 18?
Mr Melenchon and unions have called for a general strike on Tuesday, October 18.
The CGT, FO, Solidaires, and FSU unions are among those calling on their members to walk out.
Rail services across France are expected to be affected on Tuesday, as well as Paris’ public transport system. Lorry drivers are also expected to strike.
Energy company employees will continue striking and will also walk out on Tuesday. While companies could experience blackouts during the strike, households are not expected to be affected.
Private healthcare workers and nursery workers have also been encouraged to strike.
Public sector workers, including rubbish collectors and admin staff, are also expected to walk out.
