Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to join demonstrations across France as trade unions call for a nationwide strike involving hospital workers, air traffic control staff, postal workers, teachers and rail employees. The action is expected to disrupt services in several sectors, including transport and education.

The demonstrations bring together protests over rising living costs, public spending cuts and conditions in the education system. High school students have continued to blockade schools, citing overcrowded classes and dilapidated buildings. Some university faculties have also been blockaded. Students say government proposals to cap class sizes in some cases and provide loans to regional authorities for school repairs do not go far enough.

Teachers’ unions, including those representing private-school staff, have joined the strike call. The education ministry expects almost 18% of nursery and primary school teachers to take part, while unions also expect secondary teachers to strike.

Ahead of the action, France’s four main rail unions criticised the government’s proposed budget cuts, arguing they would worsen poverty, reduce social security, freeze state workers’ salaries and limit investment in environmental measures. The government is struggling to pass a spending-reduction budget in a divided parliament, as public debt approaches 120% of economic output.

The national rail operator SNCF has warned of disruption on regional routes and in some parts of the greater Paris area. Dockers have also announced disruption at French ports.

Rights groups have criticised what they describe as heavy policing and restrictions on demonstrations. The French Human Rights League said the measures reflected an “authoritarian shift” aimed at stifling dissent. CGT leader Sophie Binet warned of a dangerous authoritarian drift, while CFDT leader Marylise Léon said demonstrations needed visibility. Authorities have restricted protests in some city centres and imposed curfews in certain areas.

The protests are unfolding during President Emmanuel Macron’s final months in office, amid domestic political and economic pressures. Marine Le Pen, the far-right, anti-immigration candidate, is polling strongly for the 2027 presidential election, according to the report.

Sources: The Guardian Education.