France Paralyzed by Mass Strikes as Budget Cut Protests Escalate
France Paralyzed by Mass Strikes as Budget Cut Protests Escalate
Hundreds of thousands of workers across France have launched nationwide strike action this Thursday, heeding calls from trade unions to protest proposed government budget cuts. Organizers claim over one million people participated, while the interior ministry reported around 500,000 demonstrators, with 80,000 police officers deployed.
The protests led to significant disruptions in major cities. Scuffles and small-scale clashes broke out in Paris, Lyon, and Nantes, where riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Public transport, including numerous Paris metro lines, was severely affected, and roads were blocked in several urban centers. Students also joined the movement, blocking university and school entrances.
The strike action saw broad participation, with approximately a third of teachers walking out and nearly all pharmacies (98%) closing their doors. By late afternoon, over 140 individuals had been detained across France. Unions are demanding increased spending on public services, higher taxes for the wealthy, and the abandonment of the budget cuts outlined by the recently toppled Bayrou government. The protests come barely a week after Sébastien Lecornu was appointed prime minister following the change in government.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.