French unions and protest groups called on Sunday for more demonstrations on Oct. 31 and a nationwide strike on Nov. 5, increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron after the Interior Ministry said 410,000 people joined Saturday’s rallies over living costs, wages and public services.
The 410,000 figure covers demonstrations across France on Oct. 24. The CGT union put participation higher, at nearly 800,000 nationwide. Authorities deployed about 70,000 police to prevent a repeat of the looting and vandalism that hit cities during protests a week earlier.
The ministry said 1,314 people were arrested on Saturday. It also said 53 security personnel were injured. Murielle Guilbert, co-leader of the Solidaires union federation, said discontent was spreading beyond students to workers, firefighters and other groups.
The SUD Education teachers’ union said it would join the Oct. 31 protests. The CGT said it would decide during the week whether to take part. The Yellow Vests movement also called for demonstrations, including sit-ins outside town halls and the National Assembly.
The strike and renewed rallies are intended to keep pressure on the government over economic strain and public services.