Strikes and protests were held in several French cities on September 18. According to French government statistics, over 500,000 people participated in the strikes across the country, including approximately 55,000 in the capital, Paris. This marks another large-scale protest in France against the government’s proposed fiscal austerity measures.
On the same day, workers in the transportation, education, electricity, and healthcare sectors, among others, responded to union calls for strikes to varying degrees. They called for the creation of a “more just” financial plan. Street protests in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Rennes were accompanied by violence and vandalism. According to an announcement from the French Interior Ministry, more than 300 people were arrested nationwide.
That evening, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu posted on social media that he would continue consultations with various sectors of society regarding the demands of French unions and protesters. He also condemned the violence during the demonstrations.
In July, former French Prime Minister François Bayrou introduced a draft budget for 2026 focused on fiscal austerity, which included measures such as turning two public holidays into working days and cutting healthcare spending to alleviate public debt pressure. The plan was met with opposition from the French National Assembly and the public. On September 8, Bayrou resigned after losing a vote of confidence on his fiscal policies in the National Assembly. Then-Defense Minister Lecornu was appointed as the new prime minister the following day.
On September 10, some citizens dissatisfied with the austerity policies launched a large-scale, union-free “Block France” demonstration. According to French government statistics, about 175,000 people participated across the country.