French trade unions on Friday, August 29, called for nationwide strikes on September 18, as a political crisis deepens ahead of a confidence vote that could topple the government. The move follows Prime Minister François Bayrou's surprise gamble to hold the vote on September 8, following months of deadlock over the government's plans to slash France's mounting public debt. The inter-union group called for a "major day of strikes and protest," citing frustration over the prime minister's proposed spending cuts.
"The horror show that is the draft budget must be abandoned," CFDT union chief Marylise Léon said after a meeting of trade unions on Friday. "The various budgetary measures put forward are unprecedented in their brutality," she added.
The head of the hardline CGT union, Sophie Binet, said protests were needed to force the government to heed the unions' demands. "We want tax justice, we want money for our public services, which can no longer cope. We want wage increases, we want the pension reform to be repealed," Binet said.
Meanwhile, an anti-government campaign dubbed "Bloquons Tout" ("Let's Block Everything") and backed by the left has called for a separate nationwide shutdown on September 10. The CGT will support that movement by organizing strikes, Binet said Friday.
After years of overspending, France is on notice to control its public deficit and cut its sprawling debt, as required under EU rules. Bayrou, 74, wants to save about €44 billion ($51 billion), but his proposal to scrap two public holidays and place a freeze on spending increases has angered many in France.
Should Bayrou lose the September 8 vote, he must resign along with his entire government. President Emmanuel Macron could reappoint him, or select a new figure who would be the head of state's seventh premier since taking office in 2017, or call early elections to break that political deadlock that has now dogged France for over a year.