Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Thursday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron and his newly appointed Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, amid mounting anger over proposed budget cuts.
Nationwide Anger and Street Protests
The government’s 2026 budget proposal, which includes reductions in public spending, has triggered widespread anger. Protesters and labor unions are demanding the withdrawal of austerity measures, more investment in public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and a reversal of the decision to raise the retirement age.
Teachers, railway workers, pharmacists, and healthcare staff walked off their jobs to join the protests. Hundreds of students blocked schools, halting classes for hours. The Interior Ministry said nearly one-third of primary school teachers nationwide participated, while regional rail services were disrupted. In Toulon, demonstrators blocked a highway, slowing traffic in the southeastern city.
In Paris, police used tear gas after protesters threw bottles and stones at security forces. Attempts to vandalize banks were also stopped by police. Minor clashes occurred in Nantes and Lyon, where three people were injured. Authorities said more than 180 people were arrested nationwide. About 80,000 police and military personnel were deployed, including riot squads, drones, and armored vehicles.
France’s largest labor union, CGT, played a leading role in the protests. CGT leader Sophie Binet said that “as many as one million people took to the streets with determination on crucial issues.” Local authorities, however, estimated half that number.
Political and Economic Pressure on the Government
Prime Minister Lecornu has pledged to hold talks with labor unions. He was appointed on September 8 after François Bayrou lost a parliamentary confidence vote and was forced to step down. Lecornu now faces the dual challenge of addressing public anger and securing parliamentary support for the budget.
France’s budget deficit last year was nearly double the European Union’s 3 percent ceiling. While the government is under pressure to reduce the deficit, protests highlight resistance to austerity. Lecornu has not yet presented a detailed plan but has indicated willingness to compromise, according to Reuters.
As France struggles with economic shortfalls and public unrest, President Macron and Prime Minister Lecornu face an uphill battle. The government must balance EU fiscal rules with the demands of citizens for stronger public investment and fairer tax policies.
