French trade unions on Friday called for nationwide strikes on 18 September, as a political crisis deepens ahead of a confidence vote that could topple the prime minister.
The move follows French Prime Minister François Bayrou’s surprise gamble to hold the vote on 8 September, following months of deadlock over the government’s plans to slash France’s mounting public debt.
The inter-union group called for a “major day of strikes and protests”, citing frustration over the prime minister’s proposed spending cuts.
“The horror show that is the draft budget must be abandoned,” CFDT union chief Marylise Leon said after a meeting of trade unions on Friday.
“The various budgetary measures put forward are unprecedented in their brutality,” she added.
For the CGT union’s head, Sophie Binet, protests were needed to force the government to heed “social demands”.
“We want tax justice, we want money for our public services, which can no longer cope. We want wage increases, we want the pension reform to be repealed,” Binet said.
Meanwhile, an anti-government campaign dubbed Bloquons tout (Let’s block everything) and backed by the left has called for a separate nationwide shutdown on 10 September.
The CGT would support this movement by organising strikes, Binet said on Friday.
After years of overspending, France is on notice to control its public deficit and cut its sprawling debt, as required under EU rules.
Bayrou, 74, aims to save approximately €44 billion, but his proposal to eliminate two public holidays and impose a spending freeze has angered many in France.
Should Bayrou lose the 8 September vote, he must resign along with his entire government.
President Emmanuel Macron could reappoint him, or select a new figure who would be the head of state’s seventh premier since taking office in 2017, or call early elections to break that political deadlock that has now dogged France for over a year.
(mm)
