Hundreds of thousands of workers have taken part in strike action across France on Thursday, after trade unions called for a day of protests against budget cuts. Organisers claimed one million turned out, while the interior ministry estimated 500,000, with 80,000 police deployed. Scuffles were reported in Lyon and Nantes, with clashes occurring in Paris as officers used tear gas to disperse crowds. The strikes occurred just days after new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's appointment followed the collapse of François Bayrou's government. Public transport faced significant disruptions with many metro lines shut, while protests led to widespread road blockages. Union leaders demand increased funding for public services and criticize the recent budget cuts which have ignited public discontent. Cyrielle, an IT worker in Paris, expressed her desire for more investment in public services as protests escalated across the nation. Unions, including the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), voiced the need for strong turnout to pressure the government into addressing the grievances related to budget priorities. As the country grapples with high debt and a fragmented political landscape, the future of budgetary policies remains uncertain.
Widespread Strikes Erupt in France Over Proposed Budget Cuts
Widespread Strikes Erupt in France Over Proposed Budget Cuts
Hundreds of thousands of workers strike across France in response to planned budget cuts, demanding increased public spending and higher taxes on the wealthy.
A major strike across France on Thursday saw hundreds of thousands of workers protesting against budget cuts proposed by the newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The protests, organized by trade unions, led to significant disruptions in public transport and reported clashes between police and demonstrators in several cities. Unions are advocating for more public service funding and a reduction in the wealth gap as discontent grows over government policy.
