Paris: The secretary general of the French trade union CGT, Sophie Binet, has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for December 2 in response to the government's proposed budget plans. During an interview with BFMTV, Binet expressed concerns over the budget, labeling it as containing "a series of horrors" and urging citizens to engage in protests and strikes.

According to Anadolu Agency, Binet emphasized the importance of public mobilization during the decisive phase of the budget debate. She stated, "It's crucial that workers take part so that the discussion happens under the pressure of mobilization -- to make sure we can bury all the disasters contained in this budget." The union leader highlighted specific issues with the budget, including potential increases in health costs, the elimination of 4,500 education jobs, and reductions in family allowances.

Binet extended an invitation to all unions to participate in the mobilization, noting that some, such as the FSU and Solidaires, have already committed to joining the protest. She maintained that the invitation remains open to other unions that have yet to confirm their participation.

In the legislative arena, the National Assembly has concluded its debates on the Social Security Financing Bill, with discussions now moving to the Senate. A key point of contention is the suspension of the pension reform, which proposes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. This reform has been a catalyst for one of the most prolonged strike waves in recent history.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has attempted to address opposition concerns by proposing a suspension of the pension reform until the next presidential election. He assured that there would be no increase in the retirement age before January 2028, a move aimed at satisfying demands from the opposition left and preventing censure from the Socialist Party.