France Erupts After US: Strikes Sweep Nation, Eiffel Tower Shuts in Budget-Cut Protest

Massive protest in France: Protests against the government's budget proposal have gained momentum again in France. Thousands of people took to the streets in more than 200 cities and towns, condemning spending cuts. Protesters demanded that the government impose higher taxes on the wealthy instead of burdening the poor and middle class. A massive procession of workers, students, and pensioners began at Place d'Italie in Paris on Thursday afternoon.

The Eiffel Tower remained closed

According to the Associated Press, the Eiffel Tower was also forced to close in the new wave of protests linked to the political crisis and budget negotiations that began last month. The Tower administration issued a statement informing tourists that the monument was temporarily closed due to a staff strike.

Why did the protests erupt?

France's major unions have called for a nationwide strike. They say that new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu should withdraw the budget draft presented by former Prime Minister François Bayrou. This draft proposed cuts to social welfare programs and austerity measures. Unions argue that these measures will directly impact the purchasing power of low-wage earners and the middle class.

Lecornu was appointed Prime Minister of France last month. Bayrou surprised his allies by suddenly initiating a vote of confidence to end a months-long budget dispute. The budget calls for cost cuts of approximately 44 billion euros ($52 billion) to reduce the country's growing debt, which several parties voted against. However, Lecornu has not disclosed his budget plans and has not yet appointed his cabinet ministers, which is expected to happen soon. The divided Parliament will discuss the budget bill later this year.

French Parties Losing Patience

Lecornu's delay in announcing a new cabinet has angered opposition parties and trade unions, who are expressing concerns about budget cuts. According to Politico, Lecornu's continued silence on budget plans has led several opposition lawmakers to call for his removal. On September 18, between 500,000 and 1 million protesters participated in trade union-led protests across the country demanding tax and social justice. A week earlier, smoke filled the streets and fires erupted during anti-government protests in France as part of the "Stop Everything" campaign. Police fired tear gas.