Paris: Hundreds of thousands of people protested across France on Thursday against President Emmanuel Macron’s austerity measures, bringing much of the country to a standstill.
Trade unions organised a nationwide strike that shut schools, disrupted public transport, and closed businesses. The leftist CGT union claimed more than one million joined the demonstrations, while government figures put the number at around 500,000, including 55,000 in Paris.
Many protesters directly targeted Macron, who faces record-low popularity with just 18 months left in office. In Nice, demonstrators tossed an effigy of him into the air, while placards in Paris called for his resignation.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, appointed last week, promised reforms to calm public anger. He pledged to scrap privileges for former prime ministers and abandon plans to cut two public holidays. But his efforts have failed to ease tensions.
More than 80,000 police officers were deployed nationwide. Authorities reported 180 arrests as clashes broke out in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. Tear gas, water cannons, and armoured vehicles were used in several cities.
Union leaders hailed the action, saying thousands of strikes took place across schools, transport, and pharmacies. Protesters accused Macron of favouring the wealthy at the expense of ordinary citizens.
