France is bracing for a day of nationwide disruption on Thursday, as authorities estimate up to 800,000 people could flood the streets to protest the government’s proposed austerity budget.
Trade unions, in a rare show of unity, have called on citizens to strike in opposition to what they describe as a “horror show” of economic measures aimed at reducing France’s ballooning debt.
The draft budget has sparked anger among workers and students, who argue that the government’s plan unfairly burdens ordinary people already struggling with higher living costs.
Authorities warn that road traffic, rail, and air services will face major disruptions. Many schools are expected to remain closed, while public offices could see walkouts.
The protests follow a tense week in French politics, with President Emmanuel Macron appointing his ally, Sebastien Lecornu, as prime minister to navigate the crisis.
Lecornu replaced Francois Bayrou, who resigned after losing a confidence vote over his failed attempt to push through austerity measures. The setback has deepened political divisions, fueling popular frustration and paving the way for Thursday’s mass demonstrations.
Last Wednesday, around 200,000 people marched in spontaneous protests organized via social media under the slogan “block everything.”
Officials say Thursday’s turnout will be much larger, pointing to coordinated union action and widespread discontent over rising inflation and stagnant wages.
According to security sources, at least 250 marches are scheduled across the country. The scale of the demonstrations is expected to rival those seen in 2023 against Macron’s pension reform, when protests at times swelled to more than a million people nationwide.
Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has ordered a massive security operation, with 80,000 police officers deployed nationwide.
He warned of possible violence from extremist groups seeking to infiltrate official marches. “The risks of public disorder are significant,” Retailleau said, stressing that vandalism and sabotage would not be tolerated.
Authorities anticipate that trouble could begin as early as Wednesday night, with blockades and sabotage targeting transport infrastructure. Police have been instructed to secure government buildings and prevent damage to public property.
The protests mark a critical test for Macron and his new prime minister. As France grapples with a mounting debt crisis and political paralysis, Thursday’s demonstrations will serve as a barometer of public resistance to austerity and the government’s ability to restore stability.
For many citizens, the anger runs deeper than budget cuts. The protests have become a rallying cry against what demonstrators see as years of policies eroding social protections, while failing to address growing inequality and financial insecurity.
With tensions high, all eyes are on Thursday’s marches. Whether they remain peaceful or spiral into violent clashes could shape France’s political landscape in the weeks ahead.
