The Latest Breaking News from Sebastien Lecornu

More than one million people took part in demonstrations across France on Thursday, according to the hardline CGT union. Union leaders hailed the strike as "already a success" and issued a warning to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, demanding fiscal, social and environmental justice in his upcoming budget.

In Paris, many metro lines were set to be suspended for most of the day except for morning and afternoon rush hour

France on Friday risks a downgrade on its ability to pay back debts, economists said, a move that would further complicate new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's task of drawing up a budget for next year.

Sébastien Lecornu on Wednesday became France's fifth prime minister in less than two years. The former defence minister is seen as a consummate strategist and close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, who is hoping Lecornu can forge some much needed consensus in a fractured parliament.

France's political crisis will likely take centre stage at a European Central Bank meeting Thursday, with turmoil in the eurozone's second-biggest economy causing a fresh headache for policymakers.

Protesters took to the streets in a day of planned national demonstrations

Members of the ‘Block Everything’ movement said they considered the political system was no longer fit for purpose

More than 100 arrests in Paris as protesters try to disrupt key transport links including the Eurostar hub at Gare du Nord

Sebastien Lecornu, 39, is facing an uphill battle over budget as protests loom in the coming days.