U.S. Embassy warns of protests and strikes across France
Protests and a nationwide strike in France could disrupt trains, metro, flights and public services on November 5.
Key points
- A nationwide multi-sector strike is planned in France for Thursday, November 5.
- Teachers, healthcare workers, government employees and public transport workers are involved.
- The four largest railway unions have called a joint national strike.
- Some recent protests have been violent, with property destruction and looting.
The U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a security alert about ongoing protests, demonstrations and rallies across France. According to the alert, a nationwide multi-sector strike is planned for Thursday, November 5, affecting teachers, healthcare workers, government employees and public transport.
The four largest railway unions have called for a joint national strike. Other groups have also called for protests on November 5 and over the weekend. The embassy says some recent demonstrations were violent, involving property destruction and looting, and that police have responded with less-than-lethal crowd control methods.
Local curfews could remain in place in parts of France, including some neighborhoods in Paris and nearby areas. These decisions are made locally, can be implemented on short notice, and restrict gatherings and free movement to some public landmarks.
Rail disruptions are expected on November 5, possibly starting the evening of November 4. Detailed schedules are expected to be published by Wednesday evening. Metro closures or delays may occur at short notice, flights may be affected by the strike, and road delays are possible. Schools, hospitals, banks and government offices may close or reduce services.
The embassy advises avoiding demonstration areas, checking with local mairies or prefectures about curfews, monitoring RATP and SNCF updates, and contacting airlines before travel.