French protesters prepare for another round of weekend rally as trade unions call for nationwide strike against rising living costs, government spending cuts and worsening public services.
Hundreds of thousands are expected to take part in Thursday’s protest rallies over education and rising living costs, as hospital workers, air traffic and rail staff – among others - are expected to join massive strikes potentially affecting hospitals, schools, railways, air traffic control, postal services and ports.
The protests come as Emmanuel Macron’s government has a bumpy road ahead to push through an austerity budget in a divided parliament, with public debt nearing 120 percent of GDP.
Four major rail unions warned that the proposed cuts would “worsen poverty, slash social security, freeze state workers’ salaries and dry up investment needed for environmental measures.”
Students have also kept blocking schools and university faculties over overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating buildings, saying that the government cannot fulfill promises to limit class sizes and fund repairs.
The rallies and strikes come at a time that Marine Le Pen, the far-right anti-immigration candidate, is polling strongly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The demonstrations have also triggered a dispute over police restrictions and freedom of assembly.
The French Human Rights League has denounced the government for what it called an “authoritarian shift” aimed at silencing “any dissenting voice,” reporting heavy policing, restrictions on rallies in city centers and curfews in some areas.
“We’re living at a very serious time with a very dangerous authoritarian drift from the government,” warned Sophie Binet, the head of the leftwing CGT union, criticizing restrictions imposed in Rennes, Toulouse and Lyon.
Meanwhile, Marylise Léon, the head of the moderate CFDT trade union, stressed, “The principle of a demonstration is its visibility.”
It is expected that transport and public services face significant disruption during the rallies and strikes.
National rail operator SNCF has warned of interruptions to regional services and some routes around Paris, while dockworkers anticipate disruption at ports.
The education ministry estimates that nearly 18 percent of nursery and primary school teachers will strike, with unions also expecting substantial participation among secondary school teachers.
Students are demanding more teachers, smaller classes, better school infrastructure and increased investment in education. The movement has since expanded to encompass broader grievances, including rising living costs, economic insecurity and the government’s handling of public services.
The protests are part of a wider wave of youth-led protests across Europe, where young people are voicing frustration over unaffordable housing, uncertain employment prospects, underfunded education and diminishing opportunities.
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