France Gripped by Nationwide Strikes: Eiffel Tower Closed Amid Budget Tensions

Paris, France – The iconic Eiffel Tower remained closed yesterday, October 2, as nationwide strikes paralyzed parts of France, with thousands protesting government spending cuts and demanding higher taxes on the wealthy. The industrial action, spearheaded by major unions, saw demonstrators take to the streets in over 200 towns and cities, marking the latest in a series of protests amidst heated budget negotiations and political turmoil.

In Paris, a significant march commenced from Place d’Italie, with the Eiffel Tower displaying notices apologizing for its closure due to the strike. Unions are pressuring newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to abandon proposed budget measures, which include social welfare freezes and austerity, arguing they will diminish the purchasing power of low and middle-income workers. Lecornu, who assumed office last month, is yet to unveil his detailed budget plans or appoint his full government, with the budget bill slated for parliamentary debate by year-end.

Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, highlighted the intensity of public anger, noting it’s the first time in a month there have been three days of strikes without a government or budget in place. While national rail services largely ran normally, some regional train lines and Paris metro services experienced disruptions. The strikes, which follow previous demonstrations in September, involved nearly 600,000 participants nationwide according to union figures.

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