The strike on the 18th, however, could paralyze French transportation networks as it will involve unions representing railway workers, air traffic controllers and staff at Air France. Civil servants, including teachers, are also expected on the picket lines.
“The real problem [for Emmanuel Macron’s staff] is whether it will continue on the 19th, the 20th,” said one of the individuals. “They’re freaking out, they’re calling everywhere to find out.”
One minister told POLITICO that the government needs a new prime minister in place by those strikes so “someone can face the unions on Sept. 18.”
Bayrou’s minority government looks certain to fall in a confidence vote Monday over his plans to lop off €43.8 billion from next year’s budget, which he says is necessary to bring down France’s eye-watering budget deficit.
Alexandre Léchenet and Joshua Berlinger contributed to this report.