Teachers, train drivers, pharmacists, and hospital staff in France went on strike, while teenagers blocked high schools to protest planned budget cuts. Unions demand the cancellation of the previous government’s budget plans, increased spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and the abandonment of a proposal that would require people to work longer to receive pensions.
In Paris, many metro lines were suspended for most of the day, with school pupils actively participating in the protests. A student displayed a sign against austerity outside a high school. The unrest indicates a political crisis for President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu as they work to manage the economy and face criticism for budgetary decisions.
An estimated 800,000 people were anticipated to join the strikes and protests. Unions expressed anger over the previous government’s “unfair” fiscal policies. France’s budget deficit last year was nearly double the EU’s limit, and Lecornu must navigate political challenges to secure support for a budget plan for 2026. His predecessor was ousted over a significant budget cut proposal, and Lecornu has not yet disclosed his approach.
Additionally, one in three primary school teachers participated in the strike, and regional train services were greatly affected. Farmers and pharmacists also expressed discontent. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported that police had removed some blockades and expected potential disorder from troublemakers. Approximately 80,000 police and gendarmes were deployed to manage the situation.
With information from Reuters
