France witnessed widespread protests on Thursday as teachers, train drivers, pharmacists, and hospital staff joined forces in a nationwide strike against impending budget cuts and unpopular pension reforms. The demonstrations, organized by major labor unions including CGT and Sud Rail, saw thousands gather in Paris and other cities, with high school students blocking school entrances and workers rallying against austerity measures. The protests were part of a broader ‘day of expression of railway anger,’ following months of strikes and a failed attempt to halt pension reforms earlier in the year. In Paris, metro services were severely disrupted, and regional trains faced significant delays, while high-speed TGV lines remained operational. The Interior Ministry estimated that up to 800,000 people participated in the strikes and protests, with unions condemning the government’s ‘brutal’ and ‘unfair’ fiscal plans. President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu are under mounting pressure to address France’s budget deficit, which exceeded the EU’s 3% ceiling last year. Lecornu, who relies on cross-party support to pass legislation, faces challenges in garnering parliamentary backing for the 2026 budget. The protests also impacted nuclear production, with workers at EDF reducing power output at the Flamanville 1 reactor. Pharmacists, angered by recent business changes, joined the strike, with 98% of pharmacies potentially closing for the day, according to the USPO union. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of potential clashes, deploying 80,000 police officers, riot units, drones, and armored vehicles to maintain order. The strike even delayed plans to move the historic Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-meter-long masterpiece depicting the Norman invasion of England in 1066, which is set to be loaned to Britain. The protests underscore growing discontent with Macron’s administration and its handling of public finances, as workers demand increased investment in public services and higher taxes on the wealthy.