France Strike: Multitudes Protesting Against Financial Savings Plans
France Stirs with Nationwide Protests Against Potential Austerity Measures
France has been shaken by a wave of protests, as tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to voice their opposition to potential austerity measures. The demonstrations, organised by a broad alliance of trade unions, caused significant disruptions in various sectors, including the closure of pharmacies, the absence of teachers in schools, and disruptions in bus and train services.
The protests, which saw over a million demonstrators according to the CGT union, aimed to put pressure on France's new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu. The protesters were concerned about the impact of the proposed austerity measures on workers, retirees, the sick, and people in precarious situations.
The trade unions consider the austerity plans of the now-resigned government to be harsh, and they criticised the proposal to cancel two public holidays. This move was particularly criticised as it would further strain the already stretched workforce.
Sébastien Lecornu, who announced he would not implement the previous government's austerity plan, has initiated talks with trade union representatives to focus on their demands. The details about where he plans to cut are not yet known, but the Prime Minister has promised to consult widely on the new austerity package.
The exact number of participants in the nationwide demonstrations is still uncertain, with estimates ranging from 500,000 to over a million. The authorities initially estimated around 700,000 to 800,000 participants. There were blockades in various parts of the country, particularly in the morning, at bus depots, traffic axes, and further education schools.
The protests were not without incident. Dozens of protesters briefly entered the courtyard of the Ministry of the Economy, and a total of 309 people were arrested nationwide, with 134 in police custody.
France, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 114%, has the third highest debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU. In absolute terms, France has the highest debt in the Eurozone, around €3.3 trillion. Sébastien Lecornu will meet with trade unions again in the coming days to discuss the new austerity plan and address the concerns of the protesters.
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