Paris, France – Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Thursday as trade unions organized a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations, demanding action on wages, pensions, and public services from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
The protests, which disrupted public transport and closed pharmacies and schools, highlight widespread public frustration with government budget plans and social inequality.
What Happened
Trade unions coordinated strikes involving train, bus, and tram drivers, hospital staff, school employees, and pharmacists. Students blockaded several high schools in Paris, Amiens, and Le Havre. More than 250 demonstrations took place in cities including Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Lyon, and Montpellier.
According to the French Interior Ministry, between 600,000 and 900,000 people participated nationwide. By mid-afternoon, 140 arrests were reported, with minor clashes in Nantes and Lyon, where police used teargas and a few people were injured.
Who Is Sébastien Lecornu
Lecornu, named by President Emmanuel Macron as France’s third prime minister in a year, faces the challenge of drafting a new budget and forming a minority government. He replaced François Bayrou, whose proposed €44 billion austerity program led to a loss of confidence in parliament.
The new prime minister has promised to abolish lifelong privileges for ex-prime ministers and scrap the plan to eliminate two public holidays. However, unions remain concerned that other austerity measures, including welfare freezes, could still move forward.
Public Concerns and Voices
Protesters stressed the importance of defending France’s social safety net. Sylvie, a public sector worker from Créteil, told reporters:
“France is one of the few countries that still has a proper social security system, but it’s being eroded by repeated budget cuts. We work to serve people, yet we’re blamed for public debt while businesses benefit from tax breaks.”
Others cited rising inequality and growing numbers of working poor. Guillaume, a youth worker from Rouen, said:
“All social protections are under attack. The rich are getting richer, while services for vulnerable children are shrinking. The government must stop prioritizing business handouts over social needs.”
Leftwing politicians, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, joined the demonstrations. Mélenchon criticized Macron directly, saying:
“The president is the source of chaos, and everything that has happened recently is the result of his actions.”
What Happens Next
The nationwide strike and protests serve as an early test for Lecornu, who must draft a new budget within weeks while navigating a deeply divided parliament. Failure to gain support could trigger votes of no confidence and further political instability.
Unions have indicated that the protests will continue unless the government engages with their demands on wages, pensions, and public services.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
