Eiffel Tower closed amid nationwide protests, strikes in France-Xinhua - 新华网

PARIS, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors on Thursday due to a nationwide strike in France, as demonstrations also took place across the country.

"Due to the nationwide strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed today," the landmark's official website announced.

By 1 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), 270,000 demonstrators had been reported at 180 demonstrations across France, excluding Paris, French television channel BFM TV reported, citing sources close to the interior minister.

According to figures released by the French Ministry of National Education, 15.81 percent of teachers were on strike on Thursday, BFM TV reported. Meanwhile, nearly 33 percent of higher education institutions were disrupted by the movement as of midday, affecting 60 of the country's 184 institutions.

Nearly 10 percent of employees in the French state civil service took part in Thursday's strike over salaries and purchasing power, according to figures released by the Ministry of Public Action and Accounts. ■