Protests in France: Public service journalist and police officer injured

A journalist from the French public service and a policeman were injured in Lyon during a clash between the police and a group of masked protesters, at one of the 250 protests which is widespread France are held due to the austerity measures announced by the new government of that country, reports France 24.

The incidents erupted 90 minutes after a peaceful protest by demonstrators began in the city center, when police fired large amounts of tear gas and stun grenades in response to projectiles thrown at them by masked protesters, writes FoNet.

Large unions across France have called for a national strike and mass protests against the government's draft budget for 2026, which foresees savings of 44 billion euros, so even if the parliament voted no confidence in that government, it is expected that the new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will continue on the same path when it comes to savings.

Response to the strike - a clear warning

The presidents of the CGT and CFDT unions emphasized that the workers' response to today's strike should be a "very clear warning" to the prime minister ahead of proposing budget measures.

The police joined the workers' strike in Paris, so the general secretary of the police union, Gregory Jouron, pointed out that they are also "suffering from budget cuts."

Žuron gave the example that the funds for the renewal of the vehicle fleet were denied, so some vehicles have traveled 200.000 kilometers, which is why they break down and the policemen do not arrive to intervene.

Health workers and pharmacists are also on strike, so out of 20.000 pharmacies, almost 18.000 are closed today.

More than 70 schools were completely or partially blocked, the government said.

The Ministry of Education announced at noon that 23 schools were completely blocked, while in 52 secondary schools blockades were placed in front and that this is a very small number out of a total of 3.700 schools.

According to posts from social networks, members of the French railway union stormed the building of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris, France reports on the 24th.

Source: FoNet