Nationwide Strikes Disrupt Services Across France

On October 2, 2025, France experienced widespread protests and strikes organized by major unions opposing proposed austerity measures. Demonstrations occurred in over 200 towns and cities, including Paris, where thousands marched from Place d’Italie. The Eiffel Tower was closed due to the strikes.

The protests were fueled by concerns over social welfare freezes and austerity measures that many believe will erode the purchasing power of low-paid and middle-class workers. Unions are urging Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to abandon these draft budget measures and are calling for higher taxes on the wealthy.

Lecornu, appointed last month, has not yet unveiled the details of his budget plans and has yet to appoint his government ministers, which is expected in the coming days. The deeply divided parliament is to debate the budget bill by the end of the year.

"It's true, it's the first time that there are three days of strikes and protests in a month without a government or budget. It shows the level of social anger," said Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union.

The French Interior Ministry reported that 195,000 protesters participated nationwide, including 24,000 in Paris. While high-speed train services operated normally, some regional lines experienced partial disruptions. In Paris, metro traffic was close to normal, but many commuting trains ran at reduced capacity. Some teachers and healthcare workers also joined the strikes, though participation appeared lower than in previous actions.

On September 18, more than 500,000 demonstrators marched across France, according to police and interior ministry figures, with unions reporting over one million strikers and protesters nationwide.