Mass Protests in France: Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate Against Financial Saving Measures
In the heart of France, a wave of protests has swept across the nation, with workers, retirees, and students taking to the streets in demonstrations against potential austerity measures. The protests, which saw the closure of pharmacies, disruptions in bus and train services, and teachers absenting themselves from schools, are a response to the new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu's, plans to reform the public sector.
The trade unions involved in these negotiations with Lecornu are part of the Intersyndicale, a coalition that includes major unions like the CGT and Force Ouvrière. These unions are protesting against public sector cuts and reforms in the 2026 budget. The CGT union, in particular, estimates that over a million people participated in the demonstrations.
Lecornu has scheduled further meetings with the trade unions in the coming days. In a significant move, he has announced that he will not implement the austerity plan proposed by the previous government. However, he is currently consulting on the details of the new austerity plan, with little information available about where the cuts may be made.
The new austerity plan is expected to be a point of contention in the ongoing discussions between Lecornu and the trade unions. The unions view the proposed austerity plans as harsh, with concerns that workers, retirees, the sick, and people in precarious situations would bear the brunt of the cuts.
France has the third-highest debt level in the EU, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 114 percent. In absolute terms, France has the highest debt pile in the Eurozone, at around 3.3 trillion euros. State spending is among the highest in Europe, with a budget deficit of 5.8 percent. The EU opened a deficit procedure against France as early as July 2024.
The proposal to scrap two public holidays was particularly contentious among the protesters. Lecornu, however, has stated that the demands of the trade union representatives, presented by the protesters in the marches, will be at the center of the talks he has initiated.
The outcome of the negotiations between Lecornu and the trade unions could significantly impact the course of austerity measures in France. As of the evening, 309 people had been arrested nationwide, with 134 in police custody, according to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Dozens of protesters briefly entered the courtyard of the economics ministry, adding to the intensity of the protests.
The protesters aim to put pressure on Lecornu with their demonstrations. As the talks continue, it remains to be seen how Lecornu will navigate the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and social justice.
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