Tuesday: civil servants’ strike, Macron’s visit to Madrid, and a hearing in the Nahel case.
A public sector strike is planned for Tuesday, September 29, the day before the presentation of the 2027 budget. The mobilization coincides with several political and legal events, including Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Spain and a new hearing in the Nahel case. Javier Milei is also expected in Paris for an economic forum, while the French national skills team returns from Shanghai with 28 medals at the WorldSkills competition.
A strike before the presentation of the 2027 budget
Eight trade unions — CGT, FO, CFDT, UNSA, FSU, Solidaires, CFE-CGC and FA-FP — are calling for a one-day strike in the public sector. The mobilization comes ahead of the presentation of the 2027 budget by the government of Sébastien Lecornu.
In mid-September, the Prime Minister told Le Figaro that he intended to freeze the civil service pay index again. The inter-union group described this prospect as « a real provocation. » The CGT union announced more than 150 demonstrations in 91 departments. In Paris, the march was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the Place de la République.
The latest transport forecasts indicate normal service on the RATP metro and RER lines, as well as on the SNCF’s TGV and Intercités trains. TER regional train service is expected to be almost normal. However, disruptions are anticipated on some Transilien lines: RER lines C, D, and E, as well as lines R and V.
In primary schools, a minimum service is required when at least 25% of teachers at a school declare themselves on strike, Education Minister Édouard Geffray reminded listeners on RMC radio. The movement also affects other sectors: all the trade unions affiliated with France Travail are calling for a strike for the first time since 2018. Police and firefighters’ unions are also expected to participate, with the latter holding a separate march in Paris.
Emmanuel Macron expected in Madrid
The President of the Republic and his wife are scheduled to make a state visit to Spain on September 29 and 30. In Madrid, they will be welcomed by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Tuesday’s program includes a luncheon at the Royal Palace, a ceremony honoring those who died for Spain, and a meeting at Carlos III University focusing on youth, social media, and artificial intelligence.
On Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to participate in a Franco-Spanish summit, followed by lunch with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. A reception is also planned at the French ambassador’s residence, the Arenzana Palace.
The Nahel case is being examined again in Versailles.
The investigating chamber of the Versailles Court of Appeal is scheduled to re-examine the legal classification of the facts in the case of Nahel Merzouk’s death on Tuesday. The hearing will be held behind closed doors. The judges will also consider the motion to dismiss filed by the defense of the police officer, Florian M.
This new development follows a decision by the Court of Cassation, which in June overturned the reclassification of the charges to violence resulting in death without intent to kill, thus reopening the way for a murder trial. The Justice for Nahel collective is demanding that this charge be upheld. The police officer’s lawyer, Laurent-Franck Liénard, maintains that the shooting was « legitimate. » The Court of Appeal’s decision may be reserved and delivered at a later date.
Nahel Merzouk, aged 17, was killed on June 27, 2023 in Nanterre during a traffic stop.
Javier Milei in Paris for « Argentina Week »
The Argentine president is due to arrive in Paris on Tuesday to preside over the « Argentina Week » business forum. On Thursday, his schedule includes an address at the OECD and a meeting with Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. He is expected to be accompanied by four ministers, 11 provincial governors, the mayor of Buenos Aires, and representatives of major corporations.
The visit comes against a backdrop of mixed economic conditions. Argentina’s GDP contracted by 0.6% in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter. The government of Javier Milei achieved a budget surplus and reduced inflation to 33.5% year-on-year, while austerity meas weighed on industry, employment, and consumption. France is the seventh-largest direct investor in Argentina.
28 French medals at WorldSkills
In Shanghai, the French national team finished the 48th WorldSkills Competition with 28 medals: four gold, one silver, five bronze, and 18 Medals of Excellence. From September 23 to 26, 36 young French people representing 32 different trades competed against 1,400 competitors from 73 countries.
Gold medals were awarded to Benjamin Blegean in carpentry, Alexis Aubert in additive manufacturing, Juliette Avrillon in hairdressing, and Justin Kress and Corentin Mathieu in landscaping. Enzo Delpech received silver in plastering and drywall construction. Mathéo Graff and Valentin Etcheverry were awarded the « Best of Nation » distinction in reinforced concrete construction.
Source: All the news from the Journal du dimanche (www.lejdd.fr)
Original article: See the original source
Author: leJDD
