Mass Protests Erupt in France as New Prime Minister Faces Austerity Backlash

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets across France in a massive show of force against a new government and its proposed austerity measures. The nationwide protests and strikes are the first major test for newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who is struggling to unify a divided parliament and a deeply frustrated public. This new wave of social unrest is the latest in a series of crises for President Emmanuel Macron's administration, with the budget debate escalating into a broader expression of anger over economic inequality and political instability.

Why Are the French Protesting? The Austerity Divide

At the heart of the conflict is a controversial new budget plan aimed at reining in France's public deficit. The proposals, first drafted under Lecornu 's predecessor, François Bayrou, include deep spending cuts an estimated €44 billion and a freeze on most welfare spending.

French unions have united in a rare show of solidarity, demanding the government reverse course. Their key demands include:

• Reversing budget cuts that they argue disproportionately harm low- and middle-income families.
• Protecting public services like schools, hospitals, and transportation from budget reductions.
• Making the wealthy and large corporations contribute more, instead of burdening ordinary citizens.

Protesters' anger is compounded by the fact that these austerity measures follow a period of political turmoil, including President Macron's unpopular pension reforms and a recent snap election that left parliament without a clear majority.

Widespread Disruption and Public Safety Response

The strikes have had a dramatic impact on daily life. Key services across the country have been heavily affected:

• Transport: Major disruptions have crippled public transit, with many metro lines in Paris shut down or operating on limited service. Regional and intercity train services are also seeing significant cancellations.
• Education and Healthcare: Schools and pharmacies across France have reported high participation in the strikes, with some closing entirely.
• Cultural Sites: Even iconic tourist attractions like the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles have been affected, with some closing their doors to the public.

In response, the French government has deployed an immense security force, with up to 80,000 police and gendarmes on the streets. Clashes between police and protesters have been reported in several cities, leading to dozens of arrests and the use of tear gas to disperse crowds.

A Defining Moment for a New Prime Minister

For Prime Minister Lecornu, these protests represent a crucial test of his leadership. He was appointed by President Macron just last week, following the no-confidence vote that ousted his predecessor. Lecornu has promised a "profound break" with the past and has made some initial conciliatory gestures, such as scrapping a highly unpopular plan to eliminate two public holidays.

However, many protesters and union leaders remain skeptical, viewing Lecornu as just another Macron ally who will continue the same pro-business policies. His ability to negotiate with unions and opposition parties will determine whether he can pass a budget and maintain public order. The outcome of this standoff could not only define his time in office but also shape the political future of France.