France Witnesses Major Strike: Multitudes Protest Against Budget Saving Measures
Massive Protests Against Potential Austerity Measures in France
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of France on a chilly morning, participating in nationwide demonstrations against potential austerity measures. The protests, organised by a broad coalition of trade unions, aimed to put pressure on the new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, to change his plans for a new austerity budget.
The demonstrations, which took place throughout the morning, resulted in blockades in various parts of the country. Many people in France went on strike, causing numerous pharmacies to close, teachers to be absent from schools, and disruptions and delays in bus and train services.
The trade unions, who have long criticised the austerity plans of the previous government, view the proposed cuts as harsh. They believe that workers, retirees, the sick, and those in precarious situations would bear the brunt of the cuts. The CGT union, one of the largest trade unions in France, claimed over a million demonstrators, although the Ministry of the Interior estimated around 500,000 people participated.
Sébastien Lecornu, who announced he would not implement the previous government's austerity plan, stated that he will focus on the demands of trade union representatives in talks he has initiated. He plans to meet with trade unions again in the coming days.
The name of the negotiating leader of the current government negotiating the new sectoral settlement plan is not publicly available. However, it is clear that the trade unions are not satisfied with the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed cuts.
France has the third-highest debt level in the EU, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 114%. In absolute terms, France has the highest debt in the Eurozone, at around €3.3 trillion. The EU opened a deficit procedure against France in July 2024, adding to the pressure on the new government to address the country's debt issues.
Dozens of protesters briefly entered the courtyard of the Ministry of the Economy, although no significant disruptions were reported. The protests were largely peaceful, although 309 people were arrested nationwide, with 134 in police custody.
Despite the significant turnout and disruptions caused by the protests, it remains to be seen whether they will have any impact on Sébastien Lecornu's plans for a new austerity budget. The details about where he plans to cut are not yet known, and the trade unions will undoubtedly continue to push for a more equitable solution.
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