The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors following the strike. Photo: Shutterstock France is facing a series of events and disruptions today due to the nationwide strike.
France's Interior Ministry reported several incidents of violence near high schools in multiple cities on November 5, including Rennes, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Paris.
According to the ministry, incidents since the morning included mortar fire, fires, road blockades and projectiles thrown at law enforcement officers.
The ministry stressed that while the right to protest must be respected, acts that endanger public safety or damage property are unacceptable. It also urged the public to follow instructions from security forces and keep their distance from violent groups.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris has also officially announced to visitors that it is closed today due to the national strike.
The website management said in a statement that visitors who purchased e-tickets are asked to check their email for instructions and updates. The Eiffel Tower management apologized to visitors for the inconvenience caused.
At the same time, an unusual incident occurred at the Lycée Françoise high school in the city of Tournai, near Toulouse, after unknown persons set fire to the premises. Following the incident, authorities were forced to evacuate students and staff, fearing for their safety.
French Education Minister Édouard Geffray took to his Twitter account to condemn the incident, calling it a "serious criminal act" that endangered the lives of students and teachers, and thanked the fire department and police for their intervention and for minimizing the damage.
The minister emphasized that arson cannot be justified or excused by any claims or demands, adding that those responsible will be held accountable under the law.
The events are taking place on a day when France is also facing significant disruptions to public transport, the closure of major metro stations in Paris and the reduction of train traffic to Charles de Gaulle Airport.