French civil servants went on strike on Tuesday, September 29, with more than 170 rallies planned across the country, according to France 24. High school students also blocked entrances to schools in protest over planned budget cuts ahead of next year's presidential election, according to The Straits Times and Reuters.
A coalition of unions demanded additional budgetary resources for schools, hospitals and other public services, France 24 reported. Firefighters, described as pushed to their limits by the summer's wildfires, were among those on strike, according to France 24.
Euronews reported that student clashes with police intensified amid blockades over conditions in schools. Al Jazeera English reported that about 40 people were arrested and 10 injured as protesting students clashed with police, though this figure was not corroborated by other outlets.
The protests and strikes have added pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron, according to The Straits Times and Reuters.
How each side covered it
Left
- Al Jazeera English reported photos of student protests and public worker strikes ahead of budget cuts.
- According to Al Jazeera English, about 40 people were arrested and 10 injured in clashes between students and police.
“About 40 people have been arrested and 10 injured as protesting students clash with police.” — Al Jazeera English
Center
- France 24 reported more than 170 rallies planned across France with unions demanding more budgetary resources.
- France 24 noted firefighters joined the strike, citing strain from summer wildfires.
- Euronews reported intensifying clashes between students and police over school conditions.
- The Straits Times and Reuters both reported the protests and strike are increasing pressure on President Macron ahead of the presidential election.
“French civil servants were mobilising in large numbers on Tuesday, with more than 170 rallies planned across France.” — France 24
Questions readers ask
What happened in France on September 29?
French civil servants went on strike and high school students blocked school entrances to protest planned budget cuts, according to The Straits Times and Reuters. More than 170 rallies were planned nationwide, per France 24.
Why are French workers and students protesting?
A coalition of unions is demanding additional budgetary resources for schools, hospitals and other public services, according to France 24, amid planned budget cuts ahead of next year's presidential election.
Did the protests turn violent?
Euronews reported that student clashes with police intensified amid school blockades. According to Al Jazeera English, about 40 people were arrested and 10 injured, though this figure comes from a single source.
How does this affect President Macron?
The Straits Times and Reuters reported that the student protests and public sector strike have heaped pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron.
Who took part in the strike besides civil servants?
Firefighters were among those on strike, described by France 24 as having been pushed to their limits by the summer's historic wildfires.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- Al Jazeera EnglishLeft-leaningPhotos: French students protest, public workers strike before budget cuts
- The GuardianLeft-leaningFrench students and police clash as school blockades turn violent
- EuronewsCenterFrench students clash with police as blockades over conditions in schools intensify
- France 24CenterFrance braces for a day of strikes and protests over civil servants' pay
- ReutersCenterStudent protests and French public sector strike heap pressure on Macron
- Sky NewsCenterParisian students burn bikes and blockade classes in protest
- The Straits TimesCenterFrench teens blockade schools as unions vow day of ‘anger’ over cost-cutting budget