In brief
On September 18, 2025, hundreds of thousands of workers in France participated in nationwide protests organized by trade unions in opposition to budget cuts introduced by the newly appointed government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. While organizers reported attendance figures as high as one million, official estimates were around 500,000. The demonstrations were marked by public transport disruptions, scuffles in major cities, and calls for increased investment in public services. Union leaders demand a reassessment of budgetary strategies amid France's mounting public debt.
Hundreds of thousands of workers have taken part in strike action across France on Thursday, after trade unions called for a day of protests against budget cuts.
Organisers said one million people turned out, while the interior ministry put that number at 500,000, with 80,000 police officers deployed.
Scuffles were reported in the cities of Lyon and Nantes, and in Paris small-scale clashes broke out between police and protesters.
Officers in riot gear used tear gas and shields to disperse crowds in the centre of the capital after some protesters damaged a small number of businesses and buildings.
The strikes come barely a week after Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, was appointed prime minister.
Public transport was heavily disrupted on Thursday, 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 were also adhering to strike action in droves, with 98% of pharmacies expected to stay closed.
More than 300 people were detained across France, the interior ministry said.
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.
Cyrielle, a 36-year-old IT worker, said she was striking because Macron's economic and social policies don’t suit me, nor did Bayrou's budget.
Sophie Binet, the leader of one major trade union group, emphasized the need for a strong presence at protests to influence government policies.
The public's frustration is fueled by concerns about inadequate responses to their needs amidst ongoing economic instability.
