Nationwide Strikes Disrupt Key Sectors Across France

On September 18, 2025, France experienced widespread strikes and protests as workers from various sectors opposed proposed public service budget cuts. The strikes, organized by major unions, demanded increased spending on public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and the reversal of a contentious state pension reform.

Public transport faced significant disruptions, with the Paris Metro and national rail services notably affected. Demonstrators criticized austerity measures such as welfare freezes and pension reforms that raised the retirement age, arguing they disproportionately impact workers, retirees, and low-income citizens while shielding the wealthy.

The energy sector was also impacted, with workers at the Flamanville 1 reactor reducing output by 1.1 gigawatts as part of the protest. Despite this disruption, the impact on nuclear energy was limited to just this one plant, and hydropower generation remained unaffected.

The unrest comes amid a mounting political crisis for President Emmanuel Macron and newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, as they struggle to curb the country's soaring budget deficit, which nearly doubled the EU’s 3% ceiling last year.

Authorities deployed 80,000 police officers to maintain order, underscoring the protest's scale. Tensions were high, marked by clashes between protesters and police, tear gas deployment, and over 90 arrests nationwide.

Unions have vowed to continue mobilizing until the government provides a satisfactory response.