Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators are expected to take part in protests across France on Thursday, as trade unions call for a nationwide strike over rising living costs, while the four main rail unions say the government's proposed budget cuts would worsen poverty; strike action is expected to extend to hospital workers, air traffic control, the post office, teachers and rail staff.
France's four main rail unions said the government's planned spending reductions would "worsen poverty, slash social security, freeze state workers' salaries and dry up investment needed for environmental measures". The strikes come as President Emmanuel Macron's administration struggles to pass a belt-tightening budget through a divided parliament, with public debt approaching 120% of economic output.
High school students have been blockading schools to protest overcrowded classes and dilapidated buildings, saying the government's proposed measures, including caps on some class sizes and loans to regional authorities for repairs, do not go far enough. University students have joined in blockading some faculties.
Rights groups criticised the government's response to the protests, accusing it of an "authoritarian shift". The French Human Rights League said authorities were seeking to stifle "any dissenting voice" through heavy policing, restrictions on demonstrating in city centres and curfews in certain areas. Sophie Binet, head of the leftwing CGT union, said: "We're living at a very serious time with a very dangerous authoritarian drift from the government." Marylise Léon, head of the moderate CFDT union, said: "The principle of a demonstration is its visibility."
The national rail operator SNCF said there would be “disturbances” to train services on regional lines and some parts of the greater Paris area. Dockers said there would be disruption in French ports. The education ministry said it expected almost 18% of nursery and primary school teachers to strike, and unions said they expected secondary teachers to take part.
The protests come in the final months of Macron's presidency, while the far-right, anti-immigration candidate Marine Le Pen is polling high for the 2027 presidential election.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The protests signal widespread opposition to fiscal austerity policies, with potential to disrupt public services and influence the political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
- The involvement of multiple sectors and the backing of rights groups highlight concerns over democratic freedoms and the right to protest.
- The outcome could shape the final months of Macron's presidency and the positioning of candidates like Marine Le Pen.
Background
President Emmanuel Macron's final months in office have been marked by domestic crises. His government is attempting to pass an austerity budget through a divided parliament as public debt nears 120% of GDP. High school students have been protesting deteriorating conditions, and workers have been demonstrating weekly over the cost of living, leading to the latest union call for a nationwide strike.
Key Perspectives
Rail unions (four main unions): Warned that the government's proposed budget cuts would worsen poverty, slash social security, freeze state workers' salaries and dry up environmental investment.
Sophie Binet (CGT, leftwing union): Said the government was showing a "very dangerous authoritarian drift".
Marylise Léon (CFDT, moderate union): Emphasised the importance of visibility for demonstrations, saying "The principle of a demonstration is its visibility."
French Human Rights League: Accused the government of an "authoritarian shift" to stifle dissenting voices through heavy policing and restrictions.
Students (high school and university): Protested overcrowded classes and dilapidated buildings, arguing the government's measures on class-size caps and loans were insufficient.
French government: Has proposed a belt-tightening budget and education measures, but faces opposition in a divided parliament.
What to Watch
- The extent of disruption on Thursday and whether the government adjusts its budget proposals.
- The response of the authorities to ongoing protests and any further accusations of authoritarian drift.
- Any shift in public opinion and polling ahead of the 2027 presidential election.