Mass protests against austerity measures drew hundreds of thousands of participants in France on Thursday.
The CGT union said more than 1 million people took part in demonstrations, although the figure provided by the Interior Ministry stood at 500,000.
Many joined strikes across the country, with pharmacies, schools and public transport all heavily affected.
Numerous street blockades were set up in the morning at bus depots, traffic hubs and secondary schools, while dozens of protesters briefly stormed the courtyard of the economy ministry.
More than 180 people were detained nationwide, with 30 arrests in Paris.
Thursday’s protest was intended to put pressure on new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who is deliberating over a new austerity budget after the collapse of the previous government earlier this month.
The strikes were called by a broad alliance of unions, who have argued that the measures could threaten the livelihoods of workers, pensioners, and lower-income households.
A proposal to eliminate two public holidays has been the target of particular criticism, although Lecornu has already announced that the measure would be dropped.
France is suffering from a prolonged budgetary and political crisis. The country has the third-highest ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in the European Union, at 114%.
Protesters take part in demonstrations against austerity measures. Authorities expect around 800,000 participants after unions called a strike to denounce the government’s budget proposal to curb rising public debt. Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium via ZUMA Press/dpa
Protesters take part in demonstrations against austerity measures. Authorities expect around 800,000 participants after unions called a strike to denounce the government’s budget proposal to curb rising public debt. Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium via ZUMA Press/dpa
Police and protesters clash in front of La Joliette and the harbour terraces during demonstrations against austerity measures. Authorities expect around 800,000 participants, with unions calling a strike to denounce the government’s budget proposal aimed at reducing rising public debt. Sylvain Rostaing/Le Pictorium via ZUMA Press/dpa
