According to the BBC, five French trade unions have jointly participated in nationwide strikes and protests to demand higher wages to cope with the rising cost of living and to protect public services. Authorities expect between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join the marches. The French Interior Minister stated that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed to handle potential violence. Schools, hospitals, and public transport have already experienced partial disruptions, and workers have also been called upon to halt production at oil refineries. The head of the CFDT union stated that the demands go beyond raising the minimum wage, also including a net monthly income increase of 100 euros.