Demonstrators at more than 240 locations across France planned new protests and strikes yesterday, demanding that the government abandon the announced budget cuts, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union said. Around 76.000 police officers will be deployed, of which about 5.000 in the Paris region, said Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. France’s budget deficit last year was almost twice the European Union (EU) limit of 3%. Lecornu will now face a tough battle to secure parliamentary support for the 2026 budget. His predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was dismissed in parliament on September 8th over a savings plan of 44 billion euros.