French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is facing growing pressure as protests over the cost of living, public services and working conditions continue to spread across the country. His government has tried to calm public anger through negotiations and policy concessions, but several major trade unions remain dissatisfied with its response. The latest setback came when the CFDT union announced that it would join a planned public-sector strike on November 17. The union’s decision followed Lecornu’s move to postpone negotiations over public employees’ purchasing power until December 11. Union representatives view the delay as an attempt to avoid difficult discussions rather than a genuine effort to address workers’ concerns.
The government had hoped that recent measures, including an increase in the minimum wage, would help reduce tensions. However, protesters say the changes do not go far enough to address rising living costs and pressure on public services. The demonstrations have brought together different groups, including students, teachers, climate activists and people opposed to police violence. Their demands have expanded beyond wages to include concerns about education, social conditions and the government’s wider direction.
Authorities have prepared a major security operation as further demonstrations take place. Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes have been mobilised across France, reflecting concerns about a possible return of the violence seen during earlier protests. More than 200 schools remain blockaded, while government statements about possible disciplinary action against school staff have further angered parts of the education sector.
Lecornu is now attempting to balance negotiations with a tougher public response. His government has offered consultations and limited concessions, but restrictions on demonstrations and strong statements about protesters have damaged relations with unions and other groups. President Emmanuel Macron also faces political pressure as the unrest continues. The crisis highlights the difficulty of restoring public confidence when economic concerns, dissatisfaction with public services and political uncertainty are growing at the same time.
