In France, trade unions are calling for a nationwide strike that could spread to hospital staff, air traffic controllers, postal workers, teachers and railway workers, The Guardian reports.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across the country.
The government is currently trying to pass a budget featuring tough austerity measures, as France’s public debt approaches 120% of economic output.
Ahead of the strike, four of France’s main rail unions said the government’s proposed budget cuts would “worsen poverty, reduce social protection, freeze civil servants’ pay and cut the investment needed for environmental measures”.
Sixth-form pupils continue to block schools over overcrowded classes and neglected buildings, arguing that the government’s proposed measures to cap the size of some classes and provide loans to regional authorities for school repairs are insufficient. University students are blocking some faculties.
Unions from across the political spectrum are joining the strikers over the rising cost of living. In particular, associations of private-school teachers have joined the strikes alongside educators from state schools.
National rail operator SNCF reported “disruptions” to train services on regional lines, as well as on some sections in the Paris region. Port workers warned of disruption at French ports.
The Ministry of Education said that, by its estimates, almost 18% of nursery staff and primary school teachers will take part in the strike. Unions also said they expect secondary school teachers to join Thursday’s strike.
Human rights groups protested at an “excessive police presence” and an “authoritarian” attempt by the executive, led by President Emmanuel Macron, to restrict the right to demonstrate.
The French Human Rights League said there was an “authoritarian shift” aimed at suppressing “any dissent”: the government has tightened police controls, and the authorities have introduced restrictions on demonstrations in city centres, as well as curfews in certain areas.