Mass Dramatic Actions Across France: Over A Hundred Thousand Protesting Against Austerity Measures
In the heart of Europe, France has found itself at the centre of a significant political storm. On September 18, 2025, over one million people took to the streets, according to the CGT trade union, in a demonstration aimed at putting pressure on the new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu.
The protests were triggered by Lecornu's proposed austerity budget, which has not yet been passed due to the deeply divided French parliament. The unions, part of a broad trade union alliance, criticized the plan as brutal, particularly the proposal to cut two public holidays.
France holds the unwanted title of having the highest mountain of debt in the eurozone, with a staggering €3,300 billion. This steep debt burden has not gone unnoticed by the European Union, which opened an excessive deficit procedure against France back in July 2024. The country's debt ratio in the EU is the third highest after Greece and Italy, standing at 114 percent.
The recent budget deficit in France was 5.8 percent. This financial strain has led to a ripple effect, causing numerous pharmacies, schools, and public transportation services to be affected by the strike. Buses and trains were canceled and delayed, adding to the inconvenience for the French public.
The new Prime Minister, Lecornu, announced he would not implement the previous austerity plan. Instead, he is currently discussing a new proposal for an austerity budget. In a bid to address the concerns of the trade union representatives, Lecornu announced on Platform X that the demands of these representatives would be the focus of the talks he had initiated.
The demonstrations were not without incident. Dozens of demonstrators entered the courtyard of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and a total of 309 people were arrested across the country, according to the acting interior minister Bruno Retailleau. By the evening of September 18, 134 of the arrested individuals were in police custody.
In the morning, there were blockades in various parts of the country, such as bus depots, transport routes, and secondary schools. The protests were a clear indication of the widespread discontent among the French population regarding the proposed austerity measures and the country's mounting debt.
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Lecornu will navigate this challenging political landscape and whether he can find a solution that satisfies both the economic demands of the European Union and the social demands of the French people.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
