France strikes test new prime minister as protests rally against budget cuts

Hundreds of thousands of workers took to the streets and workplaces across France on Thursday as unions organized a day of protests against budget cuts. The interior ministry estimated that 600,000 to 900,000 people could attend demonstrations nationwide, with about 80,000 police officers deployed to manage crowds and traffic.

Public transport was heavily disrupted in Paris, with many metro lines reported shut and roads blocked in major cities. Students gathered in front of schools and universities, while about a third of teachers walked out. Pharmacists pressed ahead with strike action, with 98% of pharmacies expected to stay closed.

Unions are calling for more spending on public services and higher taxes on the wealthy, urging that the budget cuts pushed by the Bayrou government be scrapped. Sophie Binet, head of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), said: "We need to be out in force, that's how we gather strength to keep fighting... to force the government and the employers to put an end to policies that only serve the richest."

The political backdrop: Bayrou's unpopular €44 billion budget-cut plan toppled his government last week. New Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has yet to assemble a full ministerial team and has signaled willingness to discuss the budget, but he has not renounced the cuts and has held talks with opposition parties in a bid to reach a compromise. The parliament remains hung and deeply divided along three blocs, complicating any agreement.

Security officials warned of potential disruptions but pledged to enforce the law. Outgoing interior minister Mr. Retailleau said 58 people had been arrested across the country by mid-morning and warned that authorities would act "as soon as there is the slightest slip-up." France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged demonstrators to be disciplined, saying that "Any violent actions would only serve one person - Mr Retailleau."

Paris's prosecutor Laurent Nunez cautioned that demonstrations could be derailed by far-left groups and urged shops in the city center to close for the day to reduce risk of damage.

The protests build on activity last week by the Bloquons Tout movement, which drew about 200,000 people and disrupted activity across the country. Bayrou's plan aimed to cut €44 billion from public finances to tackle debt, which public officials say remains high at roughly €50,000 per French citizen. Analysts say the debt load and plans for spending cuts are closely tied to France's hung parliament and the difficulty of building a majority for any budget.

With Lecornu seeking to chart a path forward in a fragile political landscape, the government faces pressure to show it can manage public services while addressing fiscal pressures. Observers say the coming days will be crucial as Lecornu works to secure a coalition or ensure enough cross-party support to pass a budget.

The strikes reflect ongoing public discontent with austerity and the challenge of balancing debt reduction with maintaining public services, as France navigates a hung parliament and a high debt burden.