Massive Strikes Erupt Across France as Workers Protest Budget Cuts

Fri Oct 17 2025 00:35:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hundreds of thousands of workers in France participate in strikes against proposed government budget cuts, prompting significant public unrest and clashes with police.

On Thursday, protests erupted across France as trade unions mobilized workers against the government's budget cut proposals. Estimates varied on participation, with organizers claiming over a million participants, while the government reported 500,000. Clashes occurred in major cities, including Paris, leading to police deploying tear gas to manage the crowds. Unions demand more investment in public services and higher taxes on the wealthy amid widespread discontent with recent budget plans.

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 following the toppling of François Bayrou's government.

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, expressed her discontent saying, Macron's economic and social policies don't suit me, nor did Bayrou's budget and emphasized the need for more resources in public services.

Sophie Binet, leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), stated, We need to be out in force, that's how we gather strength to keep fighting... to force the government and the employers to put an end to policies that only serve the richest.

With police on high alert, Bruno Retailleau warned of strict measures and immediate arrests for any disturbances. Opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for disciplined actions from participants to avoid playing into governmental narratives.

The strikes follow previous protests over the unpopular budget plan that aimed to reduce national debt through substantial cuts. Prime Minister Lecornu faces a challenging role in stabilizing governance amid a divided parliament and public disapproval.