French Unions Strike Against Austerity Pressuring Macron

FRANCE – Hundreds of thousands of people took part in anti-austerity protests across France on Thursday, urging President Emmanuel Macron and his new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, to acknowledge their anger and scrap the looming budget cuts.

Teachers, train drivers, pharmacists, and hospital staff were among those who went on strike as part of the day of protests, while teenagers blocked dozens of high schools.

Protesters are calling for the previous government’s fiscal plans to be scrapped, for increased spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and for the reversal of an unpopular change that requires people to work longer to receive a pension.

One union leader said 400,000 took part in morning rallies across France, with more yet to get started.