Massive Wage Protests in French Public Sector

Approximately 300,000 people, estimated by CGT, participated in the protest, expressing concerns about the deteriorating quality of public services.

In Paris, 30,000 people gathered, according to police estimates, including 8,000 firefighters. This constitutes over 25% of all protest participants, highlighting the particular grievances of firefighters.

Public sector workers from various professions, including teachers, bus drivers, nursing home staff, nursing assistants, and court employees, participated in the protest. They voiced that it is impossible to live a normal life with current salaries and emphasized the urgent need for budget increases and more staff.

Participants complained about the lack of personnel and equipment in their workplaces, expressing dissatisfaction that even basic livelihoods were difficult to maintain. These statements reveal chronic problems across public services.

The protest, held two days before the announcement of next year's budget plan, increased pressure on the government. Protesters specifically directed their message toward Minister Sébastien Lecornu, demanding changes in economic policy.

The main goal of this protest is to pressure government authorities, including Minister Sébastien Lecornu, to bring about tangible policy changes. As the government pursues an austerity policy totaling 54 billion euros, a clash between the protesters' demands and government policy is anticipated.