Massive protests took place in France against the government's policy on cutting budget expenditures. According to RFI, Le Monde, and Le Figaro, over 500 thousand people took to the streets, including 55 thousand in Paris alone, reports 'Glavcom'.
The protests were organized by trade unions, with participants from various professions, including teachers, healthcare workers, pharmacists, as well as railway and metro workers. The demonstrations were a response to the government's decision to cut public spending, which, according to the protesters, could negatively impact social services.
Protesters demand increased funding for public services, higher taxes for wealthy citizens, and the cancellation of changes to the pension system. France has a progressive tax system, where the personal income tax rate increases with higher incomes. For example, for individuals whose annual income exceeds 177 thousand euros, the tax rate is 45%.
As a result of the protests, there were serious delays in public transport due to a strike by workers and blocked streets in Paris. Pharmacies across the country were closing as pharmacists participated in the protests. In some regions of France, schools were closed. According to the French Ministry of Education, every sixth teacher in the country took to the protests.
The massive protests in France united over 500 thousand individuals demanding the government increase funding for public services and cancel changes to the pension system. They led to serious transport issues and the closure of schools and pharmacies in some regions of the country.