French Students and Public Workers Protest Budget Cuts

French public sector workers went on strike Tuesday as high school students blocked school entrances across the country, protesting planned budget cuts and demanding better funding and working conditions. Teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters and other civil servants were among those taking part, with rallies expected in cities across France.

The protests come two days before the government is due to present its 2027 budget draft. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has outlined a proposed €54 billion savings drive as the minority government seeks to control France’s growing deficit. Limited disruption was reported on public transport, while authorities also warned of possible flight disruptions.

Student protests have intensified in recent days, with reports of fires and clashes near some schools in Lille, Lyon and Nice. At a Paris high school, students used dumpsters to block the entrance and displayed banners calling for greater education funding. The government condemned violence and dangerous activity while acknowledging concerns over difficulties faced by schools.

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