Hundreds of protesters have taken them onto the streets across France against the government’s proposed budget cuts under President Emmanuel Macron.
Dozens of unions joined forces on Thursday to bring together people from major cities, including Paris, Lyon, Lille and Marseille, to express their anger over the economic plan.
The uncertainty followed the resignation of Prime Minister François Beyloux last week, followed by a lack of confidence vote and a general backlash against his government’s fiscal policy. The choice of Macron’s close ally, Sebastian Recorne, as the new prime minister sparked even more outrage among many people across the country.
Thursday’s strike continues on to all blocks of anti-government protests last week. Hundreds of protesters were arrested as part of the national movement, with 175,000 people taking part, and a massive police deployment responded. Angry Mobs caused fires as it blocked highways and gas stations across the country, built barricades and caused damage that blocked traffic on trains and vehicles, officials said.
Here’s what we know about Thursday’s protests and why they’re happening:
What happened on Thursday?
Protesters gathered early in cities across France, including Paris, to drive obstacles across roads and highways. Several tourist attractions, such as several metro stations, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre in Paris, were either closed or partially open as a result of the strike.
Many schools have also been closed as a third of teachers expect a strike. Some businesses and most pharmacies were not operated.
In Paris, protesters clashed with police as officials tried to clear the barricade. Dozens of people circulated on the streets inside the southeastern city to disrupt traffic. Students from Rennes in Paris, Marseille and Northwest also participated, blocking the entrance to the school. Some held up banners that read, “Tax the rich.”
🔴Chanberry I ils sont de retour! Les Cyclists de la villes’élancentsur les ronds-points de la ville, pour failed entenders leurs revenues, enralentissant la circulation #18Septembre2025. pic.twitter.com/neypgmbq09
– Révolution Permanente (@RevperManente) September 18, 2025
Some protesters were in solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza during the war on the Israeli strip, and Palestinian flags were visible across the country. Protesters have blocked the Eurolinks weapons factory in Marseille, which is believed to supply equipment to Israel, and are holding a large flag with the words “Closing the Genocide Factory.”
French National Railway Company SNCF said in a statement early on Thursday that “some disruptions” were expected on French and European highway trains, but most are expected to function normally.
However, after 91% of drivers in the capital issued strike notifications, regional railway lines and Paris’ metropolitan and commuter trains were expected to cause more serious disruption. Air traffic disruption was minimal as the related unions postponed a strike plan that was postponed until October.
According to a report by state-owned broadcasting station France24, Utility Company EDF has reduced nuclear energy production by 1.1 gigawatts.
Home Minister Bruno Reciroe has previously warned of possible obstruction by left-wing groups. The government deployed around 80,000 police and genderms supported by drones, armored vehicles and water cannons to maintain the order.
Why are the union protesting?
The protests and strikes were organized by several trade unions, primarily in response to the government’s proposed budget cuts in 2026.
Bayrou initially proposed cuts to address what he said in July was a “life-threatening” debt burden in France. He was aiming to cut public spending by 44 billion euros ($52 billion) in 2026.
Bayrou’s actions include: Pension freeze. To generate more economic activity, the disposal of two public holidays increases healthcare costs.
However, the proposal met strong opposition in Congress and on the streets. The party on the far left and far right united to vote against Beyloo, finishing the nine-month run and rejecting a budget proposal. Analysts called it a blow to Macron’s centralist Renaissance party. Beiroo was the fourth prime minister to be exiled within two years.
Former Defense Minister Lecorne, who was appointed prime minister on the same day, has pledged to abolish the lifelong privileges the prime minister enjoyed and waive the reduction of public holidays. However, many voters remained unconvinced, and Thursday’s protest was intended as a warning to Recorne, analysts said.
“Our colleagues feel that they are not fooled by the appointment of Sebastian Recorne,” said Sophie Venetitai, general secretary of SNES-FSU. The largest union for middle and high school teachers.
The higher fuel tax imposed in 2018 had already heightened anger towards the Macron government in general. In April 2023, Macron once again angered many when he forced pension reforms that raised his retirement age from 62 to 64 and created more economic activity. Despite massive union-led protests, the policy did not reverse.
What are the protestors’ demands?
Unions are calling for a reversal of budget cuts, urging Recornes to abandon current budget plans, warning them of negative impacts on wages, job safety and access to public services.
They argued that the plan was unfair and that wealthy companies and businesses should be more taxed to fill the budget gap.
In a statement before Lecorne’s appointment in August, the eight unions described the proposed measures targeting workers, unstable employment, retirees and sick workers who were told they would “pay” to “pay” debt.
The union also denounced the current debt crisis for tax relief for Macron’s businesses after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the union continues to call on Macron to cancel pension reforms that he had previously forced.
On Thursday, some protesters also called for Macron to resign. The president, facing a low approval rate, is set to step down in May 2027.
🔴 “Mcron Dession!” UNE Manifestation The immeasurable Au Vieux-Portà Marseille Pour L’Acte 2 de La Mobilization September. Le Peuple le Demande. pic.twitter.com/b6yx53sgez
– La France Insoumise 13 (@lfidep13) September 18, 2025
What happened in all the protests on the block?
During the block, all protested, and leaderless civic movements, which had around 175,000 people protested on September 10th, also protested against Bayrou’s budget measures. The demonstration was approved primarily by leftist parties.
Protesters blocked highways and onboard barricades across the country. More than 540 people have been arrested.
The move began online as social media young people called for a nationwide shutdown. They began circulating hashtags such as #BoyCott, #DisoBedience, and #Solidarity on social media sites in July and August. The Block Everything Movement was compared to the extensive yellow vest protest held between November 2018 and June 2019.
What’s next?
The union said it would not retreat unless changes were made and austerity measures were abolished.
Meanwhile, Lecorne met with several opposition parties on Wednesday to garner support for his budget.
After Lecorne met with the Lector of the Left Socialist Party, which has 66 members in Parliament, party leader Olivier Faure said the prime minister was ambiguous about his intentions. The party had previously proposed alternative budgets in which business subsidies were cut and wealthy households would be more taxed.
“The Prime Minister gives the impression that he doesn’t know what direction he wants to go,” Faure told local broadcaster TFI. “If we vote today, we won’t vote with confidence.”
Lecornu is also lobbying for support from the 210 central right lawmakers who form part of the so-called central block.
The Prime Minister’s first speech to Parliament is scheduled for October 2nd.
