France braces for mass protests as austerity plan deepens anti-Macron anger

As unions launch massive strikes in France to protest government proposals for budget cuts, there will be widespread disruption.

Some areas of the country are expected to become paralyzed by the walkout on Thursday, which includes teachers, health workers, and transportation staff, with unions promising one of the largest mobilizations since last year’s contentious dispute over pension reform.

Austerity plans, which have sparked more outcry against President Emmanuel Macron, have fueled the action. Despite a recent change in prime minister, the head of state’s popularity has fallen to new lows as a result of a government crisis that shows little sign of waning.

One-third of teachers will leave the classroom, nine in ten pharmacies will close, and the Paris Metro will experience severe disruption. Three driverless lines should operate normally, on average.

Metro and suburban rail services experience significant delays, despite the likelihood that the majority of high-speed trains will operate. After controllers delayed a planned strike until October, air traffic disruption should be limited.

According to data from the state-run utility EDF, nuclear power production decreased by 1.1 gigawatts as a result of workers’ labor action.

massive presence

Officials announced a massive police presence on the streets and warned that they were afraid of violence on the cue of union marches.

Bruno Retailleau, the interior minister, described the day as a “hybrid” event that combines organized demonstrations with potential sabotage from ultra-left groups as a “very, very strong” mobilisation.

He claimed that more than 80 000 police and gendarmes would be stationed using water cannon, drones, and armored vehicles.

Authorities expect between 600, 000 and 900, 000 protesters nationwide.

As Macron’s seventh prime minister, former defense minister Sebastien Lecornu, has promised to chart a new course. However, that hasn’t helped to lessen the hostility of workers.

Unions are still in a furious state due to Francois Bayrou, Lecornu’s predecessor, who created a 44-billion-euro ($52bn) austerity plan. Additionally, they are skeptical of Lecornu’s plans to end the prime ministers’ lifetime privileges and reject a proposal to cut two public holidays.

France’s budget deficit, which nearly doubled the EU’s 3 percent threshold last year, needs substantial cuts, according to the government. Lecornu must now battle valiantly to pass a 2026 budget, which he lacks a parliamentary majority.

According to Sophie Venetitay, general secretary of SNES-FSU, the largest union for middle and high school teachers, “we believe that our colleagues were not misled by the appointment of Sebastien Lecornu,” it “did not calm the anger”

Sophie Binet, a CGT union leader, claimed that Macron’s retirement reform remained the biggest impediment. She stated that the Elysee Palace is where the “huge obstacle” is.