Hundreds of thousands are expected to take to the streets of France on Thursday, within the framework of mass protests and nationwide strike called by labour unions, against rising cost of living, public spending cuts and problems in the education system.
The strike is expected to affect a large number of sectors, including hospitals, air traffic, postal services, schools and railway transport, while port employees have also warned off activities.
The new protests come in a difficult period for President Emmanuel Macron, whose mandate is being accompanied by internal crises and continued social tensions.
High school students who have been protesting bad teaching conditions for weeks have joined workers in anti – expensive living demonstrations. Even university students have staged protests, blocking several faculties.
Meanwhile, the government is facing difficulties for adopting the budget in a politically divided parliament as France’s public debt approaches 120 per cent of gross domestic production.
Unions warn of deepening poverty
On the eve of Thursday’s strike, the four main railway trade unions in France have rejected budget cuts proposed by the government, warning that they will deepen poverty.
The call for strike has joined the unions from different sectors and from all over the political spectrum. Teachers of private schools, in addition to those of public institutions, are expected to participate in the protests.
The Ministry of Education has announced that it expects about 18 percent of primary school and garden teachers to join the strike, while trade unions expect participation from high school teachers as well.
Critical of Police Presence, Limiting Protests
Amid civic mobilization, human rights organisations have raised concerns about what they describe as excessive police presence and efforts by the Macroni government to limit citizens’ right to protest.
The French League for Human Rights has warned of an authoritarian movement, claiming that the goal is to silence any controversial voice.
Meanwhile, the government has increased police presence, while authorities have imposed restrictions on protests at city centres and police hours in some areas.
Transport and Service Disorders
The strike is also expected to cause problems in public transportation. The SNCF national railway operator has warned of ʹdisclobes in the flow of trains on regional lines and in parts of the area of Paris the Great.
Portal workers have also warned breakouts of activity, while the participation of hospital employees, air traffic controllers and postal personnel could affect the operation of services throughout the country.
Marine Le Pen benefits from discontent
In the context of renewed protests and discontent with the government, the far right candidate and anti-imigration candidate Marine Le Pen are registering high support in polls on the 2027 presidential election, when the successor of Macron will be elected.
Disgusting the cost of living, spending cuts and the state of the education system is remaining one of the main political challenges in France.
The signal where the truth speaks before the news!
Source Layer: Signal
