Paris (dpa-Afx)- France is facing a wave of strike and protest in the middle of the political crisis. The unions announced nationwide strikes and rallies against the government’s austerity course for September 18. The unprecedented savings plans would have to get off the table, demanded the boss of the French Democratic Union Confederation (CFDT), Marylise Léon, in Paris. The French air traffic controllers had already announced a strike for September 18 – to enforce their demand for better wages and working conditions.
At the beginning of the week, France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou announced that it would ask the question of trust in parliament in the dispute over the savings budget he submitted on September 8th. The fall of the Middle Rights government of Bayrou, which has no majority in the National Assembly, is expected.
“Block everything”
Long before the prime minister was announced, a call to block the whole country on September 10 had encountered growing support. Although it is still unclear who is behind the call “Bloquons Tout” (blocking everything), France’s left -wing party – as the unions – stood behind the appeal. Because of the announced protests, the security authorities are already unrest according to a report by the broadcaster RMC. Pupils and students could also join the protest.
The public debt in France has risen to 114 percent of gross domestic product, which is one of the states in the euro area with the highest debt rate. Bayrous budget provides for savings of 43.8 billion euros. Critics complain that the austerity course is on unilateral workers and unemployed people and accuse President Emmanuel Macron, super -rich and large industrial groups to have granted billions of billions.