Why are people protesting in France in November 2026, according to the BBC's Hugh Schofield?

Hugh Schofield, the BBC's Paris correspondent, says the 5 November 2026 marches are a trade-union push for higher wages and better public services at a time of inflation, distinct from the student protests that began in mid-September over decaying university buildings and a shortage of teachers. The backdrop is a budget the government cannot get through parliament and, in his words, a power vacuum ahead of elections that the left and the unions are using to flex their muscles.

• Unions forecast 800,000 marchers, while the authorities counted about 270,000 outside Paris early in the day.
• The government deployed 70,000 police after looting and arson around Place de la République on 17 October.
• Students won concessions, including the end of an admission system and promises of more money, and Schofield expects their side of the movement to fade as exams approach.
• A school near Toulouse was partly set on fire and riot police fired tear gas in Lyon.

▸In their words

“Macron is a lame duck. Parliament can't do anything.” Hugh Schofield · at 5:21 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Global News Podcast (2026-11-05). Read the whole episode summary →

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