Protests have erupted across France in response to budget cuts announced by the new prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu. The austerity measures, aimed at reducing the national budget by €44 billion, include freezing tax rates, social benefits and pensions, as well as converting certain public holidays into working days. These proposals were originally unveiled by former Prime Minister François Bayrou over the summer; his government was ousted on 8 September after parliament rejected the plan, triggering a political crisis that brought Lecornu to power.
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, clashing with police in Paris, Nantes and Lyon. According to union group CGT, the demonstrations attracted around one million participants nationwide. In Paris, government estimates put the crowd at about 55 000, while brief clashes in Nantes and Lyon resulted in three injuries. Police deployed tear gas to disperse protesters, and the Interior Ministry reported more than 180 arrests, with 80 000 police and gendarmes deployed across the country to maintain order.
The protests featured crowds waving flags, chanting slogans and singing, with smoke from flares drifting over nearby buildings. Demonstrators demanded higher taxes on the wealthy, increased funding for public services and the reversal of pension reforms. Unions claimed that up to 45 % of teachers walked out, although the Education Ministry gave lower figures. The unrest disrupted public services, affecting metro and regional train operations in Paris, while high‑speed lines continued to run normally.
The ongoing unrest underscores deep‑seated concerns among the French population about the government’s economic policies. The proposed budget cuts have sparked widespread opposition, with many calling for alternative measures to address the country’s financial situation. As events unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protests and address citizens’ concerns.
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