Public-sector unions in France have called for more than 170 protests across the country today, Tuesday, to pressure the government two days before it unveils its 2027 budget bill, demanding higher wages and changes to the proposal.
The call came after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced early this September that the government would once again freeze the index point used to calculate the basic salaries of public-sector employees.
Expected turnout and limited transport disruption
Through the mobilization, unions are seeking to influence the executive’s decisions and send a message to candidates in the upcoming presidential election, as preparations for election campaigns get under way.
Authorities expect between 5,000 and 10,000 firefighters to take part in the protests, following a summer marked by widespread wildfires. They estimate total turnout at between 20,000 and 40,000 people.
In the transport sector, authorities expect disruption to rail services to remain limited as a result of the strike.
Pressure on growth and consumer confidence
The action comes as pressure on the French economy intensifies, with fuel prices rising to record levels and consumer confidence declining, while the government’s ability to provide broad support to households is being constrained by public-finance pressures and higher borrowing costs.
Data from France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies showed that consumer confidence this September remains well below its long-term average, as more households feel the impact of inflation and expect continued pressure on their purchasing power.
Economic growth is nearing a standstill amid rising diesel prices and the impact of the energy shock and heatwaves. Jean Dalbard of Bloomberg Economics said risks were tilted to the downside for third-quarter growth, which is expected to come in at about 0.2%.
