"Protesters disrupted transport networks and staged blockades across France on Thursday in a show of strength against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to slash public spending. The action targeted the Paris Metro, regional rail lines and key roads, while demonstrations stretched from large cities to small towns. In Paris and Marseille, police used tear gas to disperse early, unauthorised demonstrations."
"Unions argue the austerity plan will deepen economic pain that has already toppled previous governments attempting similar reforms. "The aim is to show the government that we're here, that we're fed up with being taxed like crazy, that we're fed up with having trouble making ends meet on the 15th of the month," Samuel Gaillard, a garbage truck driver, told the French AFP news agency."
"The protests mark a critical test for new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who was appointed last week and tasked with shepherding the cuts through parliament to reduce France's mounting deficit and debt. Police deployed about 80,000 officers nationwide, with some pre-dawn scuffles breaking out in Paris. While high-speed trains largely operated, regional services and the Paris Metro faced significant disruptions. Schools, factories and other sectors of the EU's second-largest economy were also affected."
Protesters disrupted transport networks and staged blockades across France, targeting the Paris Metro, regional rail lines and key roads while demonstrations stretched from large cities to small towns. Police used tear gas in Paris and Marseille to disperse early unauthorised gatherings, and about 80,000 officers were deployed nationwide amid some pre-dawn scuffles. Major trade unions called the strikes to demand the government abandon proposed budget cuts, social welfare freezes and other measures they say will squeeze low- and middle-income workers. The action affected regional services, schools and factories and presented a critical test for new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu as he seeks to steer cuts through parliament.
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