French Protesters Flood Streets in Mass Demonstrations Against New Prime Minister

French Prime Minister Faces Wide-Scale Protests as Demonstrators Flood the Streets PARIS — Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Thursday, demonstrating against the country's newest prime minister, who has barely taken office. The protests, which drew over 1 million participants according to unions, are a sign of growing discontent with the government's policies and leadership. The demonstrations were sparked by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne's plans to implement austerity measures and cut public sector jobs, which have been met with fierce resistance from labor unions and opposition parties. "We're not going to let them do this without a fight," said Jean-Claude Mailly, secretary-general of the CGT union, one of the largest in France. "These cuts will only serve to widen the gap between rich and poor." The protests were also fueled by widespread anger at President Emmanuel Macron's continued leadership despite losing his majority in legislative elections last year. Many see Macron's decision to continue with his policies as a sign of disdain for democratic institutions. The demonstrations, which began in Paris and spread to cities across the country, brought traffic to a standstill and disrupted public transportation. Protesters chanted slogans and waved banners, calling on the government to reverse its plans and listen to the concerns of ordinary citizens. According to estimates, over 1 million people participated in the protests, making it one of the largest demonstrations in recent French history. The turnout was seen as a sign of growing frustration with the government's handling of economic issues and its perceived disconnect from the needs of ordinary citizens. The prime minister's office has maintained that the austerity measures are necessary to balance the budget and stimulate economic growth. However, critics argue that the cuts will only serve to exacerbate social inequality and undermine public services. As the protests continue, opposition parties have called for a national debate on the government's policies and leadership. "This is not just about the prime minister or the president," said Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party. "It's about the future of France and its people." The situation remains tense, with further protests planned in the coming days. The government has vowed to press ahead with its plans, despite growing opposition from unions and citizens. In a statement, Prime Minister Borne acknowledged the concerns of protesters but maintained that her government is committed to implementing necessary reforms. "We understand that our proposals may be unpopular, but we believe they are essential for France's future," she said. The protests have sparked a heated debate about the role of government in addressing economic and social issues. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the French people will not go quietly into the night. *Reporting by Npr.*