Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across France on Thursday during nationwide strikes in protest against government austerity plans.

Authorities anticipate between 700,000 and 800,000 participants in the demonstrations.

In addition to peaceful protests, Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has warned of potential acts of vandalism. A total of 80,000 security personnel have been mobilized for the day.

The strikes are likely to cause major disruptions to various aspects of public life in France.

Many teachers are expected to join the strike, and numerous pharmacies are likely to remain closed.

Some intercity and regional train services are expected to be canceled, and Paris residents should prepare for significant disruptions to public transportation.

However, air traffic at airports is expected to operate almost normally, with fewer disruptions anticipated for long-distance travel.

A broad coalition of labor unions called for the strikes. The unions are expressing anger over austerity measures announced by a government that only recently resigned.