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France faces massive strikes as unions unite against budget cuts
France is preparing for one of its largest strike actions in recent years, as trade unions stage nationwide demonstrations to oppose budget cuts and demand improvements to wages, pensions, and public services. The rare display of unity comes as new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces mounting pressure amid a political crisis.
Authorities estimate that around 800,000 people will take part in more than 250 marches across the country on Thursday. The protests are expected to disrupt schools, public transport, and airports, with up to 80,000 police deployed to maintain order.
By early morning, bus depots in Paris and northern France had been blockaded, while high school students also staged protests in parts of the capital and in Amiens. Rail traffic experienced significant disruption nationwide.
Union leaders have described the mobilization as the largest since 2023, when mass protests erupted against the government’s decision to raise the retirement age to 64 without a parliamentary vote. The CFDT, one of France’s major unions, called on Lecornu’s government to move away from pro-business policies and focus more on workers and citizens.