PARIS: Tens of thousands of people poured into the streets across France on Thursday to oppose President Emmanuel Macron’s planned spending cuts, just as the embattled leader is expected to announce a new government lineup this weekend in a bid to regain control of a worsening political crisis.
According to union estimates, more than 600,000 people joined the day of demonstrations organised nationwide, though the Interior Ministry placed the turnout significantly lower at 195,000. The fresh mobilization came two weeks after over a million people marched in a much larger wave of protests that brought public transport and schools to a standstill.
The demonstrations, spearheaded by the powerful leftist CGT union and backed by other labour groups, underline deep frustration over Macron’s austerity measures and economic policies. Many protesters carried banners denouncing the erosion of public services, stagnant wages, and social inequality.
At a rally in Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon declared: “You can feel that the country is changing.” He pointed to the size and persistence of the protests as proof that Macron’s political base is collapsing under pressure.
Macron’s political troubles
Macron, now in his second and final term, has only 18 months left in office. But with his approval ratings at record lows, he is facing mounting challenges — from growing street anger and persistent strikes to political stalemate in parliament. Critics accuse him of prioritising international prestige projects, such as France’s push for EU leadership, while neglecting the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
In response, the president is preparing to reshape his cabinet. According to political sources, he intends to unveil a streamlined government under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, his seventh appointee to the post since taking power in 2017. The reshuffle is expected over the weekend and is aimed at tightening executive control, reducing political infighting, and restoring public trust.
A country on edge
The protests highlight a broader sense of fatigue in France, where years of reforms — from pension changes to tax policies — have triggered waves of unrest. While Thursday’s demonstrations were smaller than previous ones, their persistence suggests Macron will continue to face resistance as he seeks to implement budget cuts amid a slowing economy.
Observers warn that if Macron’s reshuffle fails to deliver convincing new policies, the protests could intensify in the months ahead, adding further instability to the final stretch of his presidency.
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