French social unrest: Between concessions and tough talk, PM Lecornu struggles to end crisis

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has failed to ease mounting unrest, as unions and protesters criticise delayed talks and what they see as inadequate concessions. The crisis spans cost-of-living concerns, student demands and anger over the government’s policing and rhetoric, putting pressure on an already weak government.

The CFDT joined a public-sector strike planned for 17 November after negotiations on workers’ purchasing power were postponed until 11 December; it called Lecornu’s proposals insufficient. The government had raised the minimum wage, but thousands were expected at a fourth Saturday of protests, with about 50 demonstrations declared and 70,000 police and gendarmes deployed. More than 200 schools remained blockaded, while Lecornu’s conciliatory approach in parliament has contrasted with a tougher response to demonstrators.