France anti-austerity protests swept through the country on Thursday as hundreds of thousands of people voiced anger over planned budget cuts. Teachers, train drivers, hospital workers, and pharmacists joined the strikes, while students blocked dozens of high schools. Protesters demanded that President Emmanuel Macron and his new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu scrap fiscal plans, raise taxes on the wealthy, and spend more on public services. Many also called for reversing the unpopular pension reform that forces people to work longer.
Placards in front of schools urged students to “block your high school against austerity.” At Lycee Maurice Ravel, teachers and union representatives stood with students to oppose the government’s approach. Union leaders said the message to Macron and Lecornu was clear: the streets must decide the budget, not investors or party negotiations. Sophie Binet of the CGT union estimated that 400,000 people had already taken part in the morning rallies, with more demonstrations expected in Paris.
Unions push for fairer budget
Union leaders warned that the government risked losing public trust. Marylise Leon of the CFDT said Thursday’s France anti-austerity protests were a warning to Prime Minister Lecornu. She urged him to present a socially fair budget and not repeat the mistakes of his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, who lost support in parliament after proposing €44 billion in cuts. Lecornu has promised compromise but faces pressure from both angry citizens and investors worried about France’s growing deficit.
The strikes disrupted schools and trains nationwide. About one in three primary school teachers joined the strike, while nearly half of teachers in Paris walked off the job. Regional train services were heavily affected, though most high-speed TGV lines continued running. In Toulon, protesters slowed highway traffic, and in Nantes and Lyon, police used tear gas after clashes. Authorities deployed 80,000 officers, including riot police, armored vehicles, and drones. More than 90 people were arrested.
Anger over economic squeeze
France anti-austerity protests reflect deep frustration with falling living standards and cuts to public services. Macron and Lecornu face the challenge of reducing the deficit, which last year nearly doubled the EU’s 3% limit, while also keeping the country stable. Workers at rallies said they feel despised by the government and unwilling to accept more sacrifices. As unions continue to mobilize, the government will need to balance investor demands with strong public resistance.
