France: Major Strikes and Protests Underway
France is in turmoil with 800,000 protesters taking to the streets in one of the largest strikes in recent years. Unions are protesting budget cuts and demanding measures for wages, pensions, and public services.
Approximately 80,000 police officers have been deployed, and blockades have been reported at bus depots in Paris and northern France, as well as at schools.
The protests are taking place during a period of political crisis, with Prime Minister SĂ©bastien Lecornu trying to form a minority government and avoid a vote of no confidence.
Lecornu met with opposition parties for consultations, while Marine Le Pen warned that if he continues the same policies, he will fall.
France is under pressure to reduce its deficit and debt, and Fitch Ratings has downgraded its credit rating.