By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to march across France on Thursday as trade unions stage a nationwide strike affecting hospitals, air traffic control, the post office, schools and rail services. The action comes as President Emmanuel Macron’s final months in office are marked by domestic crises, with high school students protesting poor teaching conditions joining workers demonstrating over the rising cost of living.
Transport disruptions expected
France’s national rail operator SNCF warned of disturbances on regional lines and parts of the greater Paris area, while dockers said French ports would face disruption.
Student protests continue
High school students have blockaded schools over overcrowded classes and dilapidated buildings, saying government proposals to cap some class sizes and loan funds for repairs are insufficient. University students have also blockaded some faculties.
Union leaders criticize government
Sophie Binet, head of the leftwing CGT union, warned of a "very dangerous authoritarian drift" from the government, criticising decisions to push demonstrations out of city centres. Marylise Léon, head of the moderate CFDT union, stressed that visibility is essential for protests. Unions said the proposed budget cuts would worsen poverty, slash social security, freeze state workers’ salaries and dry up environmental investment.
Heavy policing draws criticism
Rights groups, including the French Human Rights League, condemned what they called an "authoritarian shift" to stifle dissent, citing heavy policing, restrictions on city-centre demonstrations and curfews in certain areas.
Political implications for 2027 election
Amid the unrest, far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is polling strongly for the 2027 presidential election to succeed Macron next spring. The government is also struggling to pass a belt-tightening budget in a divided parliament as public debt approaches 120% of economic output.
