France needs ‘more public services’, ‘salaries are too low’, ‘schools are in very, very bad shape’

Gaëlle Martinez, national secretary of the Solidaires trade union, says France’s strikes and protests reflect a wider struggle over economic dignity, public services and the right to protest. She argues that people should be able to live well, rather than merely get by.

Martinez links low salaries, struggling schools and the weakening of public services to political choices that prioritise cutting spending over social welfare. She calls for a new budget without cuts and for higher taxes on the most profitable companies.