Protesters across France launched strikes and demonstrations Thursday, crippling Paris Metro services and blocking roads in opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed cuts to public services.

Clashes with police and teargas erupted early in Paris, with unions warning that the austerity measures would worsen poverty and inequality for low- and middle-income workers.

Opponents argue the government should tax the wealthy and businesses instead of reducing funding for services like schools, hospitals, and welfare programs, which many see as central to France’s social model, the Associated Press has reported.