France on edge ahead of huge demonstrations 800,000 expected to take to streets

France is on high alert as it prepares for nationwide protests, with sources close to the authorities anticipating approximately 800,000 participants taking to the streets.

In an uncommon display of solidarity, trade unions have called on the French populace to strike in opposition to the government’s “horror show” draft budget aimed at curbing France’s escalating debt. Significant disruptions are expected across road traffic, railways, and air travel, with numerous schools scheduled to close, Caliber.Az reports, citing Arab News.

These demonstrations follow President Emmanuel Macron’s recent appointment of his close confidant, Sebastien Lecornu, as the new prime minister, tasked with resolving the intensifying political crisis. Lecornu’s predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was ousted following a failed confidence vote in parliament concerning his austerity budget proposal intended to reduce the national deficit and address the burgeoning debt.

September 10 saw approximately 200,000 protesters rallying in a grassroots backlash against Macron, fueled by social media campaigns urging demonstrators to “block everything.” Authorities now foresee a significantly larger turnout for September 18, highlighting the trade unions’ resolve to mobilize demonstrators amid mounting frustration over political stalemate and rising living costs.

At least 250 marches are planned, according to a security source, who also estimated that around 800,000 individuals will participate. The scale of these protests is expected to rival those in 2023 against the contentious pension reforms, which drew between 280,000 and over a million demonstrators depending on the day.

The outgoing interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, warned law enforcement agencies that “the risks of public disorder are significant due to the presence of small groups of ultra-leftists who will try to infiltrate the official marches.” Retailleau stressed that no damage to public buildings would be tolerated and cautioned against sabotage and blockades anticipated from the night of September 17 through the morning of September 18.

To maintain order, approximately 80,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide.

By Vafa Guliyeva