Nationwide Strike and Protests Grip France Against Austerity Budget

France is gripped by nationwide strikes and protests, with hundreds of thousands marching against the government’s austerity budget just a day after lawmakers rejected the first part of the 2027 budget bill. The mobilization, backed by trade unions, the yellow vest movement, students and workers from various sectors, has seen demonstrations across major cities including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

Nationwide Strike Disrupts Public Services

The nationwide strike on Thursday, November 5, has disrupted schools, hospitals, and public transport. Four of the largest railway unions are participating, impacting certain routes, and the Eiffel Tower was shut for the day. According to NewsCord, the strike is also expected to impact air travel, with travelers advised to check with their airline for updates.

Authorities Deploy Police to Contain Unrest

French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers to contain potential unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that security forces’ “primary mission” was to ensure demonstrations occurred “peacefully” and “without any incidents,” adding that intelligence services had identified “considerable interest” from violent protest groups. In Lyon, a car was set alight near the Gallieni bridge as hundreds of people belonging to the radical left-wing “black bloc” clashed with police. USA Today reported that police have responded with tear gas and “less-than-lethal crowd control methods,” with the U.S. Embassy warning Americans to avoid areas with demonstrations due to recent violence involving property destruction and looting.

Hundreds of thousands march in nationwide strike in France as government backs austerity budget

Government Budget Faces Rejection

The government’s original budget proposal, which includes austerity measures to address a major public debt and deficit crisis, will now go before the Senate, with a vote scheduled for 9 December.