Mass rallies, disruptions in France on day of anger against Macron

Hundreds of thousands of people across France protested on Thursday against President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed austerity measures, causing widespread disruption to public transport, schools, and daily life. Trade unions organized the demonstrations, which saw clashes with police in several cities.

The leftist CGT union claimed that over a million people took part nationwide, surpassing the 900,000 reported during a June 2023 protest over raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. French authorities reported more than 500,000 participants, including 55,000 in Paris. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said 309 people were detained and 26 police officers injured, noting that around 7,300 “radicalized” protesters had joined the demonstrations.

Many protesters called for Macron’s resignation, with some throwing effigies and holding placards targeting the president. Citizens expressed anger over economic inequality and the potential impact of austerity on the poorest. “Every day the richest get richer and the poor get poorer,” said Bruno Cavalier, a 64-year-old protester in Lyon.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, appointed last week, attempted to ease tensions by pledging dialogue with unions and promising to scrap certain unpopular measures, including life-long privileges for former prime ministers and the elimination of two public holidays.

Authorities deployed over 80,000 police officers with drones, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Strikes disrupted services, with one in six teachers walking out and nine out of ten pharmacies closed. Commuters faced delays, particularly in Paris, where only three automated Metro lines operated normally.

Unions hailed the scale of the protests. CGT leader Sophie Binet reported 260 demonstrations across the country and thousands of workplace strikes. In Marseille and Paris, police used tear gas to disperse unauthorized protests, while in Lille, demonstrators blocked bus depots. Even students joined, holding slogans denouncing austerity.