nationwide strikes in France

Paris (dpa) — Hundreds of thousands are expected to take to the streets in France during nationwide strikes to protest government austerity plans on Thursday.

Authorities anticipate that between 700,000 and 800,000 people will participate in the protest.

In addition to peaceful demonstrations, acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also expects sabotage and blockades. A total of 80,000 members of the security forces have been mobilized for the day.

The strikes are likely to significantly disrupt some areas of public life in France.

Many teachers are expected to be on strike, and numerous pharmacies will likely remain closed.

Cancellations are expected for intercity and regional trains, and people in Paris should prepare for major issues on public transport.

However, air traffic at airports is expected to run almost normally, and fewer disruptions are anticipated in long-distance travel.

A broad union alliance called for the strikes. The unions are upset about the announced austerity measures of a government that only recently resigned.

The proposal to eliminate two public holidays was particularly criticized. France’s new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced that this particular element of the plan would not now be implemented.

The protest is also intended to put pressure on Lecornu, who is deliberating over a new austerity budget.