French unions launched a strike on Tuesday as new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has yet to form a government. Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA
Oct. 2 (UPI) -- French trade unions launched a new set of strikes in the country as frustration grows against the new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his decision to keep quiet on his plans for a new budget.
Lecornu is a member of the Renaissance party, which leans center-right. His opposition party is the Socialist Party, which leans center-left and is led by Olivier Faure.
Lecornu became prime minister on Sept. 10 when Prime Minister Francois Bayrou resigned after a no-confidence vote in the French parliament. Angry protests called the "Block Everything" movement blocked streets and businesses throughout France after Bayrou announced his plan to cut the budget by over $50 billion. He proposed removing two national holidays, freezing pensions for 2026 and cutting billions in health spending.
Since Lecornu took office, he hasn't proposed a budget or hinted at his plans. He also hasn't named members of his cabinet, frustrating the opposition and the public. His budget proposal is due in less than a week.
