French public sector strike over pay freeze ahead of 2027 budget

French public sector workers and students have initiated widespread strikes and protests across France, including Paris, in opposition to planned budget cuts and a potential fourth consecutive public sector pay freeze. Over 300,000 demonstrators participated, with protests expanding beyond education to include transport, firefighting, and healthcare sectors, resulting in approximately 40 arrests and 10 injuries. This mobilization signals significant domestic opposition to fiscal consolidation ahead of the government's budget presentation and the 2027 presidential election, though the government has not indicated a policy reversal.