France Braces for Nationwide Strikes as New Prime Minister takes Office
PARIS – France is preparing for widespread strikes and protests on September 18, coinciding with the start of work for newly appointed Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, as opposition mounts against proposed pension reforms and austerity measures.The demonstrations, anticipated to disrupt transportation and economic activity across the country, follow a day of localized protests on Wednesday that prompted the deployment of 80,000 police officers.
Attal’s appointment comes after President Emmanuel Macron’s previous prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, resigned following a contentious debate over pension changes. The challenge for Attal, according to observers, is to establish strong parliamentary support and remain in office through Macron’s term ending in 2027 – a feat previous prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve failed to achieve, serving only nine months. Attal has pledged his government will work “for the benefit of political and institutional stability.”
Wednesday’s protests, characterized by a decentralized structure reminiscent of the 2018 “yellow vest” movement, saw limited engagement from major trade unions, who are now planning larger-scale action. However, calls from left-wing groups to “block everything” led authorities to mobilize a significant police presence, focusing on “vital points of economic life” including oil refineries.
Interior minister Bruno Retailleau warned demonstrators of a “zero tolerance” policy towards violence and obstruction, and accused the far-left party “La France Insoumise” (LFI) and its leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon of fostering an “insurgency climate.” While high-speed and most Paris subway trains are expected to run normally, regional and suburban rail services, as well as airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly, face potential disruptions.
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunes believes the protests are being driven by “radical left” groups attempting “stunning actions” lacking broad public support. Demonstrators are protesting proposed measures including the cancellation of two public holidays and changes to incapacity conditions, intended to reduce medical expenses for employees. Former Prime Minister Borne had previously argued that €44 billion in savings were necessary to manage French debt and stabilize public finances. Political analysts note the current movement differs from the ”yellow vests” in being more clearly identified with left-wing ideologies and involving a more educated demographic.
