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EXPLAINED: 2 - The Real Truth

Why is France facing its biggest strikes in years?

France is bracing on Thursday for its biggest strikes and demonstrations in two years as unions rally workers across all sectors to protest what they call "brutal" cuts looming in the 2026 budget. RFI explains what's behind the day of disruption.

Radio France Internationale

France braces for more widespread strike and protest action on Thursday

All major unions have called for strikes and demonstrations against the government's budget measures. Major disruptions to transportation, schools, hospitals and public services are expected across the country.

Euronews

Flights, trains, metros: Here’s how France’s nationwide strike will impact travel today

Despite air traffic control unions delaying their 18 September strikes, air travel could be affected as well.

Euronews

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Lecornu sworn in as prime minister as clashes erupt across France

Nearly 300 people were arrested in France on Wednesday as “Block Everything” demonstrations disrupted transport and public services in cities across the country, authorities said. The unrest coincided with the inauguration of Sébastien Lecornu, the country’s fifth prime minister in under two years.

Radio France Internationale

The history of strikes in union and political movements in France

The “bloquons tout” (“block everything”) movement has called for a nationwide shutdown on September 10 to protest the French government’s policies, and Jean-Luc Mélénchon, the leader of the hard-left France Unbowed party, is calling for a “general strike”. This concept played a major role in the revolutionary rhetoric of the early…

The Conversation

Homeowners could be hit with new tax as Chancellor aims to fill ‘£41 billion shortfall’

Rachel Reeves could end capital gains tax relief for people selling high-value homes

The Independent UK

Treasury minister fails to rule out hitting homeowners with capital gains tax

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering ending capital gains tax relief for people selling high-value homes

Evening Standard

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France Jails Three In Champagne 'Slaves' Case

A French court on Monday jailed three people for human trafficking in the champagne industry, exploiting seasonal workers and housing them in appalling conditions.

International Business Times

Saudi Arabia drops France’s EDF from desert megacity project

French energy giant EDF has been dropped from Saudi Arabia's troubled Neom megaproject as the kingdom scales back its futuristic desert city amid safety concerns, technical challenges and ballooning costs.

Radio France Internationale

French dockers refuse to load cargo of machine gun parts bound for Israel

Dockworkers at the port of Marseille-Fos have refused to load a container allegedly containing parts for machine guns destined for Israel, citing opposition to the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza. The French defence ministry insists the components are sent to Israel for assembly and then sent back to France, or…

Radio France Internationale

Labor has the chance to do something big in its second term. What policy reforms should it take on?

Labor’s historic election victory means the Albanese government has a rare opportunity to pursue a big, bold reform agenda. The scale of the victory all but guarantees a third term in office after the next election in 2028, and entrenches Anthony Albanese’s authority as prime minister.

The Conversation

Tour de France 2025 Grand Départ under threat of disruption from protesting steelworkers

'If we don't sit down before July 7 to discuss the nationalization of the steel industry, there will be no yellow jersey in Dunkirk' says union boss

Cycling News

Paris violence against Socialist MPs mars huge May Day rallies in France

More than 300,000 people joined May Day rallies across France on Wednesday, unions said, with protests mostly peaceful – apart from in Paris where masked demonstrators targeted Socialist MPs and dozens were arrested. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called the attacks “absolutely disgraceful and unacceptable”.

Radio France Internationale

300,000 Rally Across France For May 1, Union Says

Rallies across France for International Workers' Day drew more than 300,000 on Thursday, including 100,000 in Paris, the CGT trade union told AFP. The authorities were yet to give a figure for the May Day marches' turnout.

International Business Times

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Radio France Internationale

Moroccans protest ship suspected of carrying US fighter jet parts to Israel

More than 1,000 people protested Sunday in the Moroccan port city of Tangier against the planned docking of a Danish vessel said to be carrying fighter jet parts to Israel. The French CGT union claims no such weapons have been found.

Radio France Internationale

French social partners start three months of pension reform discussions

France’s labour and management representatives begin three months of negotiations Thursday on the 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age to 64. While some unions call for the reform to be repealed, the government is asking for the system’s budget to be balanced by 2030, which might not be…

International Business Times

Strike At French Cognac Maker Hennessy Over Measures In China Spat

Hundreds of employees of French cognac maker Hennessy, part of the LVMH group luxury empire, went on strike on Tuesday to protest measures the brand plans to employ to circumvent Chinese tariffs imposed in a spat with the EU.

Radio France Internationale

Wave of strikes brewing as French budget cuts anger unions

French unions across multiple sectors are calling for strikes and protests in the coming weeks, driven by frustration over planned layoffs and budget reforms. The government has proposed €60 billion in cuts and tax hikes to tackle the country's debt.

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The Guardian - UK

Budget 2024: what it means for you

How the chancellor’s changes to tax, benefits and pensions will affect your personal finances – we look at a range of scenarios

Radio France Internationale

French trade unions stage nationwide strikes as PM Michel Barnier delivers first address

French trade unions have organised more than 180 demonstrations and strikes across the country on Tuesday calling for wage increases and the repeal of the controversial pension reform. The actions coincide with Prime Minister's Michel Barnier's first speech to parliament, where he is expected to outline his new government's priorities.

Radio France Internationale

French champagne makers under pressure to protect pickers after harvest deaths

With the annual harvest underway in France's Champagne region, working conditions are under scrutiny after the death of four seasonal grape-pickers in 2023.

The Guardian - UK

Surge in larger homes for sale amid capital gains tax fears, Rightmove says

Speculation Rachel Reeves to raise tax in budget thought one reason for some homeowners cashing out

The Guardian - UK

Reeves urged to make tax changes ‘to raise more than £20bn a year’

Resolution Foundation suggests proposals on capital gains tax, inheritance tax and national insurance

Top News

Railway Sabotage Foiled By French Workers During Olympics Preparations

Axel Persson, CGT rail union leader, discusses railway sabotage incident, praises workers' vigilance, and outlines contingency plan for Olympics.

The Independent UK

Olympic bosses paid £18m for their luxury Paris hotel. Now staff are on strike

Staff at the Hotel du Collectionneur claim they have not received a pay rise for seven years

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