France Stirs with Strikes Against Proposed Austerity Measures

On September 18, 2025, France experienced widespread strikes and protests as hundreds of thousands of citizens took to the streets to oppose the government's proposed austerity measures. The demonstrations, organized by major trade unions, led to significant disruptions across key sectors, notably in transportation and education.

The protests were a response to the 2026 budget plan introduced by former Prime Minister François Bayrou, which aimed to reduce the national deficit by €44 billion. The plan included controversial measures such as the elimination of two public holidays, an overhaul of unemployment benefits, delinking pensions from inflation, and increasing out-of-pocket medical costs. Although Bayrou's government collapsed on September 8 following a no-confidence vote, the proposed budget cuts remained a point of contention.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who assumed office on September 9, quickly scrapped the proposal to eliminate public holidays but has not ruled out other austerity measures. Lecornu also announced plans to end lifetime benefits for former prime ministers, a move seen as an attempt to address public discontent.

The strikes had a profound impact on public services. Rail traffic was heavily affected, with only one in three regional TER trains and one in two intercity services operating. In the Paris region, 90% of metro drivers and 80% of RER suburban rail drivers participated in the strike, leading to severe disruptions. Only fully automated metro lines operated normally. Additionally, about one-third of primary school teachers walked off the job, resulting in numerous school closures.

Authorities anticipated participation from approximately 800,000 protesters nationwide and deployed 80,000 police officers and gendarmes to maintain order. This level of security presence was described as "not seen since the Yellow Vests protests" of 2018–2019. In Paris, the march began at 2 p.m. from Place de la Bastille, proceeding to Nation via République. The grassroots movement "Bloquons tout" (Block Everything) also organized disruptive actions, including attempts to shut down sections of the capital's ring road.

Union leaders have been vocal in their opposition to the austerity measures. Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, called the government's U-turn on public holidays "a first victory" but warned that "none of the other catastrophic measures from François Bayrou's horror museum have been taken off the table." Marylise Léon, leader of the traditionally moderate CFDT, stated that the current budget "is not compatible with social, fiscal and environmental justice," making participation in the strike unavoidable.

The proposed austerity measures have also faced criticism from major opposition parties. Marine Le Pen dismissed the government's approach and predicted further failures of President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership. The Socialist Party, which previously rejected Bayrou’s fiscal proposals, remains critical of Lecornu’s appointment and the ongoing budget plans.

The nationwide protests underscore the significant societal and political challenges facing France as it attempts to implement austerity measures to address its budget deficit. The response from various sectors and the public highlights the delicate balance the government must maintain between fiscal responsibility and social stability.