Half a million French citizens protest against austerity measures

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Thursday to protest against austerity measures. Teachers, train drivers, pharmacists, and hospital staff went on strike, while students blocked dozens of schools.

The unions demanded more investment in public services, higher taxes for the rich, and the withdrawal of the controversial pension reform.
The CGT spoke of around 1 million participants, while the authorities estimated the number to be half that. Despite minor clashes, most demonstrations were peaceful.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who has only been in office for a few days, assured that he would speak with the unions again in the coming days. He is under pressure: on the one hand from demonstrators and left-wing parties, and on the other from investors who are critical of the high deficit of the eurozone's second-largest economy.

School lessons and regional trains were particularly affected. In Paris, police had to use tear gas several times, and in Lyon, three people were injured. A total of more than 180 people were arrested.

Lecornu is now looking for compromises after his predecessor, François Bayrou, was ousted by parliament last week because of his strict austerity measures.

(reuters, est)