French firefighter unions announce national mobilization in Paris

French firefighter unions have announced a national mobilization in Paris scheduled for late September following unsuccessful negotiations with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The inter-union group plans a major demonstration on September 29, preceded by a static presence at Place de la République from September 26 to 28.

The unions are demanding significant structural changes to the French civil security model, most notably the recruitment of at least 21,000 additional professional firefighters. They argue that the current workforce of approximately 44,000 professionals, supplemented heavily by volunteers who make up nearly 80% of the force, is insufficient to meet operational demands.

Key grievances include aging equipment, deteriorating working conditions, and the need for a reform in how Departmental Fire and Rescue Services (SDIS) are funded. Union representatives stated that the issues extend beyond seasonal summer wildfires, describing a decade-long lack of concrete progress and expressing concerns over the daily operational availability of emergency services.