Protesters Test Challenges to Macron's Austerity Policies in France
Last week, Sébastien Lecornu was appointed as the new Prime Minister of France, taking the helm during a tumultuous period for the country's government. The appointment came following the collapse of François Bayrou's government after a lost vote of confidence the day before.
Lecornu's first major challenge lies in steering the government's cost-cutting agenda, a task that was underscored by Thursday's nationwide strikes. High-speed trains largely operated, but regional services and the Paris Metro faced significant disruptions. Schools, factories, and other sectors of the EU's second-largest economy were affected by the protests.
The strikes are a direct response to Lecornu's pledge to shepherd budget cuts through parliament to reduce France's deficit and debt. Unions continue to denounce Macron's unpopular 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Pre-dawn scuffles broke out in Paris during the protests, and about 80,000 police officers were deployed nationwide to maintain order. Airports reported only minor delays despite air traffic controllers postponing their strike.
Lecornu's predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was ousted by parliament over his plan to slash €44 billion from the budget in 2026. The failure of his cost-cutting measures serves as a cautionary tale for Lecornu, who must navigate the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and public discontent.
As Lecornu navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to successfully steer France's economic course. The nation watches with bated breath as the new Prime Minister embarks on this crucial mission.
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