Protesters to join nationwide march as France braces for day of strike action
Hundreds of thousands are expected to march across France as trade unions call for a nationwide strike involving hospital workers, air traffic control, postal services, teachers and rail staff.
President Emmanuel Macron's final months in office continue to be marred by domestic crises, with high school students protesting poor teaching conditions joined by workers demonstrating over the cost of living. The government is struggling to pass a belt-tightening budget in a divided parliament as public debt approaches 120% of economic output.
Budget Cuts Spark Outrage
France's four main rail unions warned that the government's proposed budget cuts would "worsen poverty, slash social security, freeze state workers' salaries and dry up investment needed for environmental measures". High school students continued blockading schools over overcrowded classes and dilapidated buildings, while university students joined in blockading some faculties.
We're living at a very serious time with a very dangerous authoritarian drift from the government
Crackdown on Protests
Rights' groups objected to what they called an 'authoritarian' attempt by Macron's executive to clamp down on the right to demonstrate. The French Human Rights League described an 'authoritarian shift' to stifle 'any dissenting voice' as authorities imposed heavy policing and restrictions on demonstrations in city centers, including curfews in certain areas.
Moderate union leader Marylise Léon emphasized that "The principle of a demonstration is its visibility," criticizing decisions by authorities in cities such as Rennes, Toulouse and Lyon to push demonstrations out of city centers.
Widespread Disruption Expected
The national rail operator SNCF announced "disturbances" to train services on regional lines and parts of the greater Paris area. Dockers warned of disruption in French ports, while the education ministry expected almost 18% of nursery and primary school teachers to strike. Trade unions also predicted secondary teachers would participate in Thursday's strike action.
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