France On Alert As 8,00,000 Expected To Protest Thursday
France is bracing for a day of nationwide protests on Thursday, with a source close to the authorities saying some 800,000 people are expected to take to the streets.
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Approximately 200,000 protesters participated last week in a demonstration of grassroots opposition against President Macron.
France is preparing for nationwide protests scheduled for Thursday, with authorities anticipating around 800,000 participants taking to the streets.
In an unusual display of solidarity, labor unions have called on French citizens to strike in protest against what they describe as the government's "horror show" draft budget aimed at reducing France's escalating debt.
Disruptions are expected across road traffic, railway services, and air travel, while many educational institutions will remain closed on Thursday.
The planned demonstrations follow President Emmanuel Macron's recent appointment of his close associate Sebastien Lecornu as the new prime minister, a move intended to address the worsening political crisis.
Lecornu's predecessor, Francois Bayrou, failed a parliamentary confidence vote regarding his attempt to implement an austerity budget designed to reduce the French deficit and address mounting debt concerns.
Last Wednesday, approximately 200,000 demonstrators participated in a grassroots protest against Macron following social media calls to "block everything."
Officials anticipate significantly higher participation on Thursday, noting labor unions' determination to mobilize protesters amid growing frustration over political stalemate and rising cost of living.
At least 250 separate marches are expected to occur across the country on Thursday, according to a security source.
A source close to authorities estimates that approximately 800,000 individuals will join the protests.
The magnitude of protest activity is expected to mirror the 2023 demonstrations against pension reform, which attracted between 280,000 and over one million participants, depending on the date.
The outgoing Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, warned law enforcement officials that "significant risks of public disorder exist due to the presence of small ultra-leftist groups attempting to infiltrate official marches."
Retailleau emphasized that damage to public buildings would not be tolerated, highlighting risks of sabotage and blockades from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.
Approximately 80,000 police officers will be deployed throughout the country.