French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne Confronted by Nationwide Protests

French Prime Minister Faces Wide-Scale Protests as Demonstrators Flood the Streets PARIS — France's newest prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, has faced her first major challenge just days after taking office, as wide-scale protests erupted across the country on Thursday. The demonstrations, which drew over 1 million public sector workers and their supporters, were sparked by concerns over the government's policies and President Emmanuel Macron's continued leadership despite losing his majority in legislative elections last year. The protests, which began with a nationwide strike by public sector workers, saw demonstrators flooding the streets of major cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. The unions behind the strikes, including the CGT and FO, claimed that the government's policies were "unacceptable" and demanded better working conditions, higher wages, and improved pension benefits. "We will not back down until our demands are met," said Philippe Martinez, secretary-general of the CGT union. "The government must listen to us and take concrete actions to improve the lives of French people." Borne, who was appointed prime minister on May 16, has vowed to address the concerns of protesters and implement policies that benefit the working class. However, her efforts have been met with skepticism by some critics, who argue that she is merely a continuation of Macron's policies. "Élisabeth Borne is just another pawn in Macron's game," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise. "She will not bring about any real change and will only perpetuate the status quo." The protests have also highlighted the growing discontent among French people with Macron's leadership style and his government's policies. Despite losing his majority in legislative elections last year, Macron has continued to push through reforms that many see as favoring big business and the wealthy. "The people are fed up with Macron's politics of austerity and inequality," said Mélenchon. "We need a new direction for France, one that prioritizes the needs of workers and the environment." As the protests continue, Borne has promised to engage in dialogue with unions and civil society groups to address their concerns. However, it remains to be seen whether her efforts will be enough to quell the unrest and restore stability to the country. The situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming days, with more protests planned for next week. The government has vowed to maintain order and ensure public safety, but the protesters are determined to keep up the pressure until their demands are met. In a statement, Borne said: "We understand the concerns of the protesters and we will do everything in our power to address them. We are committed to finding solutions that benefit all French people." The protests have also sparked debate about the role of unions and civil society groups in shaping policy and holding governments accountable. As one protester noted: "We are not just demanding better working conditions, we are demanding a better France." *Reporting by Npr.*