• The Eiffel Tower closed amid large-scale strikes across France.
• Protesters demand higher taxes on the wealthy and oppose austerity measures.
• Unions report significant participation, with estimates of up to 600,000 nationwide.
• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces pressure as he prepares budget proposals.
• Previous protests saw over 500,000 participants in late September.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed on Thursday due to nationwide strikes organized by major unions, which involved protests in over 200 towns and cities across France. Demonstrators are opposing proposed spending cuts and demanding increased taxes on the rich. Reports indicate that thousands of workers, retirees, and students marched from Place d'Italie in Paris, highlighting the intensity of the protests, according to CBS News, Le Monde, India Times, and LA Times.

Union leaders are pressuring Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to abandon draft budget measures proposed by his predecessor, which they argue could worsen the economic situation for low-income and middle-class workers. These measures include cuts to social welfare and austerity policies, provoking considerable public outcry. Lecornu has yet to detail his budget proposals or appoint his cabinet, leading to increased uncertainty, as noted by CBS News, Le Monde, India Times, and LA Times.

Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these strikes, stating: "It's true, it's the first time that there are three days of strikes and protests in a month without a government or budget. It shows the level of social anger." The French Interior Ministry reported around 195,000 protesters nationwide, including 24,000 in Paris, although union estimates suggest the number could be as high as 600,000, according to CBS News, Le Monde, India Times, and LA Times.

While high-speed train services were reported as operating normally, many regional and commuter train services faced delays, reflecting the broader impact of the strikes on daily life across France. Teachers and healthcare workers have joined the protests, although participation appears to have dropped compared to previous strikes held last month, which saw over 500,000 demonstrators across the country, highlighting an ongoing cycle of unrest, as noted by CBS News, Le Monde, India Times, and LA Times.