France Braces for Nationwide Strikes as New Prime Minister Faces Immediate Crisis
PARIS – France is bracing for widespread disruption Thursday as unions mobilize against the governmentS budgetary measures, promising to halt schools, hospitals, and transportation networks. The strike action comes just ten days after President Emmanuel Macron appointed Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister,inheriting a deeply unstable political landscape and the urgent task of securing parliamentary approval for the 2026 state budget – a goal previously unmet by his predecessor,François Bayrou.
The planned demonstrations represent a significant challenge for Attal’s new administration. Unions are protesting the budgetary policies enacted under Bayrou, and the scale of the planned action suggests widespread public discontent. French authorities anticipate between 600,000 and 900,000 protesters across the contry.
In response to potential public order issues, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced a significant security deployment, vowing a firm response to any vandalism or violence. The operation will involve 80,000 police and gendarmes, alongside 24 Centaure armored vehicles, ten water cannons, and drone surveillance.
This heavy security presence has drawn criticism from union leaders. Sophie Binet, Secretary-General of the CGT, accused the minister of “throwing oil on the fire” during an interview with France Info, stating, “When you mobilize around 80,000 police and gendarmes to the streets of France…The interior minister is throwing you up to the fire.” Binet further alleged that protesters were already being subjected to tear gas and assault despite engaging in peaceful demonstration.
paris authorities are particularly concerned. Police Prefect Laurent nuñez has advised business owners to protect their storefronts,expressing “very worried” about potential disturbances during the planned demonstration in the capital. The main protest in Paris is scheduled to begin at 2 pm local time at Place de la Bastille, proceeding through Place de la République.
Intelligence reports suggest a risk of infiltration by “Black Bloc” groups,known for engaging in violent acts targeting symbols of capitalism,public authority,and institutions associated with the Israeli government.