A major strike by French trade unions is demanding that the government increase public financial spending

Major trade unions in France have organized large-scale strikes to oppose the government's plan to cut the fiscal budget and demand an increase in public service spending.

Reuters reported that trade union members from multiple industries in France participated in a large-scale strike on Thursday (September 18th), including teachers, train drivers, pharmacists and hospital staff. There are still teenagers blocking the high school gate.

Major trade unions are demanding the abolition of the previous government's fiscal austerity plan, an increase in public service spending, a raise in taxes on the rich, and the abandonment of the unpopular reform of extending the working years for pension recipients.

Several metro lines in Paris, the capital of France, are expected to be suspended for most of Thursday, except during the morning and evening rush hours.

A source from the French Ministry of the Interior pointed out that it is estimated that 800,000 people will participate in strikes and protests.

The French Federation of Education Trade Unions said that one third of primary school teachers went on strike. A survey by the French Pharmacists' Union (Uspo) shows that 98% of pharmacies across France may be closed throughout the day. The farmers' alliance, the "Farmers' Federation", also called for mobilization.

In a joint statement, major French trade unions said that the workers represented by the unions were in a state of anger, accusing the previous government's fiscal plan of being cruel and unfair.

France's fiscal deficit last year was nearly twice the EU's 3% ceiling. The new prime minister, Le Korni, is eager to cut the deficit. As legislation needs to rely on the support of other political parties, he will face political battles to win the support of Parliament for the 2026 fiscal budget.

Former Prime Minister Beruin proposed a 44-billion-euro budget austerity plan to prevent further aggravation of public debt risks. This plan sparked considerable controversy. Beru ultimately failed to survive the confidence vote and resigned in early September.

Le Corny has not yet indicated how he will handle Beru's plan, but has stated his willingness to compromise.