(MENAFN) France woke up Thursday to widespread strikes and protests orchestrated by powerful trade unions, with authorities confirming 30 arrests so far.

In the early hours of the coordinated action, France’s National Police reported 40 blockades and the detainment of 30 individuals, according to media.

Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau detailed early incidents, citing "attempted blockades" in Paris and a "sabotage attempt against a water network" in Martinique.

Demonstrations have rapidly spread to regions including Var, Caen, Finistère, and Toulon.

The unrest extends to educational institutions, with a Paris high school seized by protesting students and roughly one-third of primary school teachers joining the strike.

This large-scale mobilization, led by key French trade unions, is a direct reaction to controversial budget plans introduced by former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.

Retailleau warned on Wednesday of a “very, very strong” mobilization spanning public services, education, transport, agriculture, industry, and entertainment sectors.

To maintain control, the Interior Ministry is deploying over 80,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, supported by armored vehicles, drones, and water cannons.

Marking an escalation unseen since the Yellow Vest protests, 24 Centaure armored vehicles will be stationed across the country alongside around ten water-launching machines.

About 40 union-organized marches are expected nationwide, with early estimates forecasting up to 800,000 participants.

This Sept. 18 strike follows last week’s “Block Everything” protests, which mobilized nearly 197,000 demonstrators across France.

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