French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne Confronted by Massive Protests Across France

French Prime Minister Faces Wide-Scale Protests as Demonstrators Flood the Streets PARIS — French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne faced a wave of protests across the country on Thursday, with over 1 million demonstrators taking to the streets in opposition to her government's policies. The protests, which were called by unions and other groups, marked one of the largest displays of dissent against the government since President Emmanuel Macron took office. The demonstrations, which began early in the morning, saw public sector workers, students, and other citizens gather in cities across France to express their discontent with Borne's policies. "We are here today because we want a change," said Sophie, a teacher who participated in the protests. "We want better working conditions, more funding for education, and an end to the government's austerity measures." The protests were sparked by a range of issues, including the government's plans to raise the retirement age, cut benefits, and implement other cost-cutting measures. The unions have argued that these policies will disproportionately affect low-income workers and exacerbate social inequality. Borne, who was sworn in as prime minister just over a week ago, has vowed to push forward with her government's agenda despite the protests. "We understand that our policies may not be popular with everyone," she said in a statement earlier this week. "But we believe they are necessary for the country's future and will continue to work towards implementing them." The protests have been met with support from some opposition parties, which have accused Macron and Borne of ignoring the concerns of ordinary citizens. "This government is out of touch with the people," said Olivier Faure, a leader of the Socialist Party. "They are pushing through policies that will only benefit the wealthy and large corporations." The protests come at a time when Macron's popularity ratings are already low, following his party's loss in legislative elections last year. The demonstrations have raised questions about the government's ability to implement its agenda and whether Borne will be able to maintain her position as prime minister. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing dissent. Borne has promised to engage in dialogue with protesters and opposition parties, but it is unclear whether this will be enough to address the underlying issues driving the protests. The situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming days, with more demonstrations planned for the weekend. The French government's ability to implement its policies and maintain stability will depend on how effectively it can address the concerns of protesters and opposition parties. Background: Élisabeth Borne was sworn in as France's new prime minister on September 16, marking her fourth stint in the role in just over a year. She has vowed to push forward with Macron's agenda, which includes raising the retirement age, cutting benefits, and implementing other cost-cutting measures. Additional Perspectives: The protests have been met with support from some opposition parties, including the Socialist Party, which has accused Macron and Borne of ignoring the concerns of ordinary citizens. The unions have argued that the government's policies will disproportionately affect low-income workers and exacerbate social inequality. Some analysts have suggested that the protests may be an opportunity for Macron to rebrand his image and reconnect with voters. Current Status: The protests are ongoing, with more demonstrations planned for the weekend. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing dissent and whether Borne will be able to maintain her position as prime minister. *Reporting by Npr.*