France was hit by sweeping nationwide strikes on Thursday as workers across multiple sectors protested the government’s new austerity measures.

Public transport, schools, and healthcare services were severely disrupted, with unions reporting massive turnout in cities including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Demonstrators carried placards denouncing budget cuts, pension reforms, and what they described as an attack on workers’ rights.

The strikes come in response to the government’s announcement of spending cuts aimed at reducing the country’s mounting deficit. Officials insist the measures are necessary to stabilize public finances, but critics argue they will deepen inequality and hurt struggling households.

Union leaders vowed to sustain the protests until the government reconsiders its policies, while President Emmanuel Macron’s administration appealed for dialogue, urging unions to avoid paralyzing the economy.

Observers say the scale of the unrest poses a fresh challenge to Macron’s reform agenda and could shape the political climate ahead of upcoming regional elections.