#police-deployment

#police-deployment

Government warns of disruptions as nationwide strikes set to shutdown schools, pharmacies and transport. France is braced for nationwide disruption as unions launch mass strikes to protest against government proposals for budget cuts. The walkout by teachers, health workers, and transport staff, among others, on Thursday is expected to paralyse parts of the country, with unions promising one of the largest mobilisations since last year's bitter battle over pension reform.

More than 80,000 police have been deployed as demonstrators rally against Macron's government and austerity policies. French police have arrested hundreds of people as protests led by left-wing forces under the label Block Everything were launched across the country. More than 200 people were reported to have been arrested in the morning hours as demonstrators set fire to rubbish bins and blocked highways, spurred by frustration with President Emmanuel Macron's government amid a national political crisis.