Demonstrations othering government spending cuts in France
France Averts Public Holiday Abolition as Austerity Protests Sweep Nation
France has avoided a controversial plan to abolish two public holidays, following nationwide protests against austerity measures. The protests, organised by a broad coalition of unions, saw an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 people take to the streets across the country.
The new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, announced that the plan to abolish the public holidays will not be implemented, a decision that was particularly welcomed given the criticism it faced. The protest is also intended to put pressure on Lecornu, who is currently working on a new austerity budget.
The unions, including major players like CGT, CFDT, and FO, have historically united to mobilise against austerity measures. They describe the measures of the previous government as brutal, with criticism still lingering over these austere policies.
The protests, while less intense than expected, saw blockades attempted in front of high schools, at bus depots, and on transport axes. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that there were several interventions in the morning to disperse these blockades.
In Paris alone, 11 individuals were arrested during the protests. Across the country, a total of 58 people were arrested.
The protests mark the beginning of actions against austerity measures in France. Despite Lecornu's decision to abandon the public holiday abolition, the unions' opposition to the austerity measures announced by the previous government remains firm. Lecornu is currently working on a new austerity budget, and it remains to be seen how the unions will respond.
According to organisers, around 250 rallies took place nationwide. The protests serve as a reminder of the strong feelings held by the French public regarding austerity measures and the importance of their voice in shaping the country's future.
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