More than half a million people took to the streets in France on Thursday in protests against budget-tightening efforts, raising pressure on president Emmanuel Macron’s new prime minister as he seeks support from a parliament that has toppled two premiers in a year.
Striking workers across the country blocked public transport, closed pharmacies and disrupted schools in protest against Macron’s leadership, calling for premier Sébastien Lecornu to abandon the 2026 budget plans outlined by his predecessor.
Hailing the nationwide action as a “success” Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, said “the message I have for Mr Lecornu is that the streets must write this budget and if not, Mr Lecornu will end up in the streets”.