**Strikes Paralyze France as Macron’s Popularity Flatlines**
France is experiencing widespread protests as various public sector workers strike against the government's plans to implement significant cuts to social spending. The protests, which took place on Tuesday, involved firefighters, healthcare workers, transport staff, and other civil servants, all united under the banner of the country's major public-sector unions. More than 170 marches were organized across France, with demonstrators blocking roads and engaging in confrontations with police, particularly in Paris.
One of the notable incidents occurred at the Place de la Bastille, where firefighters ignited flares atop the historic July Column, a monument commemorating the 1830 overthrow of King Charles X. The protests also saw clashes between students and police outside schools nationwide, highlighting the growing unrest among the youth.
The protesters are voicing demands for higher wages, improved working conditions, and increased funding for public services. Public sector employees have long accused President Emmanuel Macron's administration of underfunding their departments, a sentiment that has intensified in light of soaring fuel prices and stagnant wages that have not kept pace with inflation. Since Macron's presidency began in 2017, public sector salaries have risen by 5%, while cumulative inflation has surged by 24%.
The SNUipp-FSU teachers’ union reported that approximately 40% of primary school teachers participated in the strike, while government estimates indicated that around one in four firefighters were also off duty. The left-wing CGT union characterized the day as a “black day,” aimed at expressing the collective anger of the workforce.
In the lead-up to the protests, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced plans to unveil a budget that includes €54 billion ($62 billion) in cutbacks for 2027. Although Lecornu has denied that the budget represents austerity measures, left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon, who supports the strikes, has criticized the proposed cuts, suggesting they will exacerbate social unrest. Melenchon has pledged to reverse the budget and eliminate government debt if he is elected president in the upcoming election.
Macron, who is ineligible to run for a third term in April's presidential election, is currently facing unprecedented low approval ratings. An Ifop poll published earlier this month indicated that his approval rating has dropped to less than 18%, marking a historic low for his presidency.
The strikes and protests are further complicated by a burgeoning student movement. High school students have expressed frustration over overcrowded and poorly maintained classrooms, leading to blockades at over 300 schools in various cities. Reports indicate that students, primarily from marginalized communities, have engaged in acts of civil disobedience, including setting dumpsters on fire and clashing with police in areas such as Lille and Saint-Denis.
In response to the escalating tensions, police have made numerous arrests, with reports indicating that 164 students and rioters were detained on Monday, followed by at least 40 more on Tuesday.
As the situation continues to develop, the French government faces mounting pressure from both public sector workers and students, raising questions about the future of social spending and public services in the country. The ongoing unrest reflects deep-seated frustrations with economic conditions and government policies, setting the stage for a contentious political landscape in the months leading up to the presidential election.