Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to march in demonstrations across France on Thursday as trade unions call for a nationwide strike expected to extend to hospital workers, air traffic control, the post office, teachers, and rail staff.
President Emmanuel Macron’s final months in office continue to be marred by domestic crises. High school students protesting over poor teaching conditions have been joined by workers in weekly protests over the cost of living. Meanwhile, the government is struggling to pass a belt-tightening budget in a divided parliament as public debt approaches 120% of economic output.
The Grievances
Ahead of Thursday’s strike action, France’s four main rail unions said the government’s proposed budget cuts would “worsen poverty, slash social security, freeze state workers’ salaries and dry up investment needed for environmental measures.”
High school students continued to blockade schools over overcrowded classes and dilapidated buildings, saying the government’s proposed measures on capping some class sizes and loaning funds to regional authorities to fix schools were not enough. University students joined in blockading some faculties.
Trade unions from across the political landscape joined in a call for strikes over the rising cost of living, with private schools’ teachers unions also joining strikes alongside state school teachers.
The Security Response
Rights groups protested over what they said was heavy policing and an “authoritarian” attempt by Macron’s executive to clamp down on the right to demonstrate.
The French Human Rights League said there was an “authoritarian shift” to stifle “any dissenting voice” as the government put in place heavy policing and authorities issued restrictions on demonstrating in city centers, as well as curfews in certain areas.
Sophie Binet, the head of the left-wing CGT union, said: “We’re living at a very serious time with a very dangerous authoritarian drift from the government,” criticizing decisions by authorities in cities such as Rennes, Toulouse, and Lyon to push demonstrations out of city centers.
Marylise Léon, the head of the moderate CFDT trade union, said: “The principle of a demonstration is its visibility.”
The Impact
The national rail operator SNCF said there would be “disturbances” to train services on regional lines and some parts of the greater Paris area. Dockers said there would be disruption in French ports. The education ministry said it expected almost 18% of nursery and primary school teachers to strike. Trade unions said they also expected secondary teachers to take part.
The Political Context
Amid the renewed protests centered on living costs, public spending cuts, and the troubled education system, the far-right, anti-immigration candidate Marine Le Pen is polling high for the 2027 presidential election to replace Macron next spring.
The Bottom Line
France is bracing for a nationwide strike as hundreds of thousands are expected to march over education conditions and rising living costs. Hospital workers, air traffic control, rail staff, and teachers are expected to join. The government is struggling to pass a budget as public debt nears 120% of economic output. Rights groups accuse authorities of an “authoritarian shift” in policing protests. Marine Le Pen is polling high ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
