CGT leader Sophie Binet calls for national strike over 2027 budget

Sophie Binet, General Secretary of the CGT, has called for a massive national mobilization and strike on September 29 to protest the proposed 2027 budget. Binet criticized the government's economic direction, accusing it of following an austerity policy dictated by employers rather than supporting workers and public services.

The union's demands include a general increase in wages, higher remuneration within the civil service, and an indexation of salaries to inflation. To combat the rising cost of living, Binet also called for a freeze on fuel prices, specifically targeting the profits of oil companies like Total.

Additionally, the CGT is advocating for a shift in economic strategy toward stimulating consumption and is calling for a revision of public aid granted to companies, as well as increased taxation on inheritances exceeding 70,000 euros. This mobilization comes amid a difficult economic climate, with French growth forecasts lowered to 0.5% for 2026 and a public deficit expected to exceed 5%.