Unions in France are urging Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to scrap draft budget measures from his predecessor, which include welfare freezes and austerity policies that could hurt low- and middle-income workers, while calling for higher taxes on the wealthy.

Lecornu, appointed last month, has yet to announce his budget plans or ministers.

Nearly 600,000 people participated in nationwide strikes and protests, including teachers, healthcare workers, and SNCF staff, affecting some regional trains and prompting the Eiffel Tower’s closure.

Demonstrations took place in over 200 towns and cities, with thousands marching in Paris from Place d’Italie to protest spending cuts and demand higher taxes on the rich, CBS News has reported.

The unrest reflects ongoing social anger amid political uncertainty and heated budget debates.