Protests and strikes erupted across France as demonstrators expressed their anger over President Emmanuel Macron's austerity policies. Public transport was disrupted, schools closed, and tens of thousands took to the streets, with some clashes reported between protesters and police.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who took office last week, promised a departure from previous policies to address the growing political crisis. However, his appointment has not quelled the discontent among unions and the public. Many protesters directed their frustrations at Macron, who faces his lowest approval ratings with just 18 months left in his term. Some demonstrators in Nice even threw an effigy of Macron into the air, while others carried signs calling for his resignation.

The CGT trade union estimated that over a million people participated in the protests, marking the largest union-led demonstrations in France since earlier mobilizations against Macron's pension reforms. The interior ministry is expected to release its own, typically lower, estimates later.

Sophie Larchet, a 60-year-old civil servant, voiced her discontent in Paris, stating, "We've had enough, he's tormenting France." Union activist Herve Renard added, "Macron-Napoleon is listening to no-one." Many protesters argued that austerity measures disproportionately affect the poorest citizens. Bruno Cavalier, 64, from Lyon, carried a sign that read, "Smile, you are being taxed," highlighting the growing wealth gap.

Protesters are particularly upset about the draft budget proposed by Lecornu's predecessor, François Bayrou, which aimed to save €44 billion ($AU78 billion). In response to the unrest, Lecornu has promised to eliminate lifetime privileges for former prime ministers and to abandon a controversial plan to eliminate two public holidays.

Authorities deployed over 80,000 police and security personnel, utilizing drones, armored vehicles, and water cannons. More than 90 individuals were detained during the protests. Prior to the demonstrations, the interior ministry had anticipated between 600,000 and 900,000 participants. However, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau later reported that the turnout was "less intense than expected," with over 260,000 people participating.

In a rare show of unity, unions called for strikes, resulting in about one in six teachers at primary and secondary schools walking out, while nine out of ten pharmacies remained closed. Commuters faced significant disruptions on the Paris Metro, with only three automated lines operating normally. CGT leader Sophie Binet noted, "We have recorded 260 demonstrations across France. There are thousands and thousands of strikes in all workplaces."

In Paris and Marseille, police used tear gas to disperse unauthorized demonstrations. In Marseille, a police officer was filmed kicking a protester, while police claimed they faced "hostile" demonstrators. Clashes also occurred in Lyon, injuring a journalist and a police officer. In Lille, protesters blocked bus depots in an early morning action. Samuel Gaillard, a 58-year-old garbage truck driver, expressed frustration, saying, "We're fed up with being taxed like crazy." Even schoolchildren joined the protests, blocking access to a secondary school in eastern Paris with slogans against austerity.