French trade unions have launched a nationwide general strike and protests against the soaring cost of living and economic hardships. French trade unions led large-scale strikes and demonstrations across the country on Thursday to protest rising living costs and express solidarity with the high school student protest movement. Marches erupted in cities including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, with unions stating that about 260 protests are planned nationwide; meanwhile, roughly one-third of high schools were closed due to student blockades or teacher strikes, public transportation was severely disrupted, and the Eiffel Tower was closed for the day.