France Experiences Strike: Multitude Protests Against Savings Plans
France Faces Austerity Pressure as Thousands Protest
France is currently grappling with economic tension, as the country's debt pile of around €3.3 trillion makes it the Eurozone's leader in this regard. This debt, combined with one of the highest state spending levels in Europe, has sparked concern and led to a new push for an austerity budget.
Sébastien Lecornu, the new Prime Minister of France, initially announced plans for an austerity budget. However, he later reversed this decision, stating that the demands of trade union representatives, raised by the demonstrators, would be the focus of the talks he initiated.
On the streets of France, hundreds of thousands of people protested against potential austerity news. The unions participating in the strike action include the four main RATP unions (CGT, FO, Unsa Mobilité, and CFE-CGC), three SNCF organizations, and the largest air traffic controllers' union SNCTA. Their demands oppose the 2026 government budget proposal, which they argue threatens their working and living conditions due to severe austerity news. The air traffic controllers also demand wage adjustments to inflation through 2024 and changes in management practices at the DGAC, which they find humiliating and demotivating.
The EU has already opened a deficit procedure against France in July 2024. Numerous blockades were reported in various parts of the country, including bus depots, traffic axes, and schools. Dozens of demonstrators entered the courtyard of the Ministry of the Economy. By the evening, 309 people were arrested nationwide, with 134 in police custody.
The interior ministry estimates around 500,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations. This figure is higher than the initial estimates of around 700,000 to 800,000 participants provided by authorities. The CGT union claims more than a million demonstrators participated.
The budget deficit in France was last at 5.8%, and France has the third-highest debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU at 114%. Little is known yet about where the new head of government, Sébastien Lecornu, wants to cut in the new austerity budget.
Many businesses and services, such as pharmacies, schools, and public transportation, experienced disruptions due to the protests. The protests are likely aimed at exerting pressure on the new Prime Minister of France. Sébastien Lecornu stated on the X platform that the demands of the trade union representatives, raised by the demonstrators, would be the focus of the talks he initiated.
As France navigates these economic challenges, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by the demonstrators and the EU. The country's future budget plans will undoubtedly impact the lives of its citizens and the overall health of the economy.
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