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 said one million people turned out, while the interior ministry put that number at 500,000, with 80,000 police officers deployed. Scuffles were reported in the cities of Lyon and Nantes, and in Paris small-scale clashes broke out between police and protesters. Officers in riot gear used tear gas and shields to disperse crowds in the centre of the capital after some protesters damaged a small number of businesses and buildings.
The strikes come barely a week after Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was appointed prime minister following the toppling of François Bayrou's government. Public transport was heavily disrupted on Thursday, with many metro lines in Paris reported shut, while protesters blocked roads and streets in major cities across France. Students gathered in front of schools and universities in the capital and beyond, blocking entrances and chanting slogans. Around a third of teachers walked out. Pharmacists were also adhering to strike action in droves, with 98% of pharmacies expected to stay closed. More than 300 people were detained across France, the interior ministry said.
Unions have called for more spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and for the budget cuts outlined by the short-lived Bayrou government to be axed. Cyrielle, a 36-year-old IT worker, expressed her discontent with Macron's economic policies, saying she wants more investment in public services. Sophie Binet, the leader of a major trade union group, emphasized the need for collective action to challenge policies that favor the wealthy.
As tensions rise, the government has indicated a firm stance against protests. New measures were put in place by the interior minister to ensure a swift response to any disruptions. The upcoming budget decisions will weigh heavily on the new PM, who currently faces a divided parliament and growing public discontent.
The strikes come barely a week after Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was appointed prime minister following the toppling of François Bayrou's government. Public transport was heavily disrupted on Thursday, with many metro lines in Paris reported shut, while protesters blocked roads and streets in major cities across France. Students gathered in front of schools and universities in the capital and beyond, blocking entrances and chanting slogans. Around a third of teachers walked out. Pharmacists were also adhering to strike action in droves, with 98% of pharmacies expected to stay closed. More than 300 people were detained across France, the interior ministry said.
Unions have called for more spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and for the budget cuts outlined by the short-lived Bayrou government to be axed. Cyrielle, a 36-year-old IT worker, expressed her discontent with Macron's economic policies, saying she wants more investment in public services. Sophie Binet, the leader of a major trade union group, emphasized the need for collective action to challenge policies that favor the wealthy.
As tensions rise, the government has indicated a firm stance against protests. New measures were put in place by the interior minister to ensure a swift response to any disruptions. The upcoming budget decisions will weigh heavily on the new PM, who currently faces a divided parliament and growing public discontent.
