Anger in the streets over Sarkozy reforms

March 21, 2009

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Record numbers of people have taken to the streets of France, in the biggest demonstrations since Nicolas Sarkozy’s election to the presidency, to protest about his handling of the economic crisis.

Unions estimated that more than 3 million people took part in demonstrations across the country on Thursday, in the second general strike over the economic crisis in two months. Police put the figure at 1.2 million.

One in three people supporting the protest – the highest public backing for a strike in a decade.

Mr Sarkozy maintains he is the only person who can face down street protests and pursue his reform plans.

But he faces growing anger and an array of demands. Protesting teachers and doctors claimed the cuts to public sector jobs resulting from his reforms would kill schools and hospitals.

Private-sector employees, including cashiers, bank clerks and car workers, protested over poor pay, factory closures and rising unemployment.

On the march in Paris, Roland Bonnot, a primary teacher from Dijon, said that in the suburb where he taught parents were in constant fear of unemployment after the announcement that a mustard factory was closing.

“Children are now picking up on the anxiety and not performing well at school,”

The strike disrupted transport, schools, airports, government offices and even theatres. Unions demanded job protection, an increase in the minimum wage and a U-turn on Mr Sarkozy’s move to cut taxes for the very rich. But the Government insists there will be no concessions.

The Government is concerned about the increasingly radical nature of protesters. Sony factory workers held a chief executive hostage over redundancies last week.

Mr Sarkozy has focused on a €27 billion stimulus plan through public and private investment instead of boosting consumers’ pockets with tax cuts or higher welfare spending.

He argues that without investment leading to job creation, France will not be able to recover as fast other countries.