Massive Strikes Erupt Across France Over Proposed Budget Cuts

Thu Sep 18 2025 15:52:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hundreds of thousands of workers in France participate in nationwide strikes organized by trade unions, protesting aggressive budget cut proposals. The unrest highlights mounting tensions over public spending amidst spiraling national debt.

In a significant display of discontent, around 800,000 workers are expected to participate in strikes across France today, protesting against budget cuts proposed by the government. This comes shortly after the appointment of new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Demonstrations have caused severe disruptions in public transport and other services, with trade unions demanding increased public spending and higher taxes on the wealthy to support essential services.

Hundreds of thousands of workers are expected to take part in strike action across France on Thursday, after trade unions called for a day of protests against budget cuts.

The interior ministry said between 600,000 and 900,000 people could attend demonstrations nationwide, adding it would deploy 80,000 police officers.

The strikes come barely a week after Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was appointed prime minister following the toppling of François Bayrou's government.

Public transport was heavily disrupted on Thursday morning, with many metro lines in Paris reported shut, while protesters blocked roads and streets in major cities across France.

Students gathered in front of schools and universities in the capital and beyond, blocking entrances and chanting slogans. Around a third of teachers walked out. Pharmacists are also adhering to strike action in droves, with 98% of pharmacies expected to stay closed.

Unions have called for more spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy and for the budget cuts outlined by the short-lived Bayrou government to be axed. Sophie Binet, the leader of one of France's major trade union groups, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), emphasized the need for strength in their stance against government policies favoring the wealthy.

Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing interior minister, reported the arrest of 58 individuals across France by mid-morning, stating that law enforcement would not hesitate to act against any disturbances. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), urged participants in the strike to remain orderly, cautioning against any actions that could empower government criticism of the movement.

Recent protests, including those organized by the grassroots Bloquons Tout movement, have already indicated widespread dissent against budgetary constraints. With plans to cut public spending by €44bn to reduce national debt, the new government's path remains contentious in a parliament fractured by differing political ideologies.