Former Interior Minister Bruno Retalio said on Thursday that there would be a ”very strong mobilization” on the streets. According to him, around 80,000 police and gendarmerie officers will be deployed across the country.
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Strikes and street demonstrations called by all major trade unions are expected across France on Thursday to protest the budget cuts.
The move comes as new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is holding talks with political parties about a major deficit and debt control.
Unions have asked Lecornu to withdraw the budget draft proposed by the previous government. The plan includes social welfare freezes and austerity measures, which they warn will lower wages and reduce the purchasing power of middle-class workers.
In a joint statement issued last week, the unions called the measures "unprecedentedly cruel" and accused workers, temporary workers, retirees and the sick to pay the price.
Unions have also rejected President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, which would raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retalio said on Thursday that there will be a "very strong mobilization" on the streets. According to him, around 80,000 police and gendarmerie officers will be deployed across the country.
He also warned about disruptions, vandalism and possible violent activities of extreme left-wing groups in the morning. He said that there will be demonstrations in many French cities the next day as well.
Public transport, hospitals and schools are expected to be disrupted in many areas. French national rail company SNCF said it expected "some disruption" to high-speed trains to France and Europe, but most trains would run. But regional rail lines, the Paris Metro and passenger trains will be more affected.
In air transport, it is seen that there will be only limited disruption after the main controller union suspended the strike until a new cabinet is formed.
In last week's protest, smoke, fire, barriers and tear gas flared up in the streets. Officials said that although the goal of complete disruption was not achieved, the 'Block Everything' campaign disrupted many parts of daily life and sparked tension in hundreds of places.
