France erupted in strikes and protests on 18 September as unions, students, and workers mobilized against President Emmanuel Macron’s austerity program and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s budget proposals. The demonstrations, fueled by anger over planned €44 billion in spending cuts, paralyzed transport, closed schools, and underscored public rejection of measures seen as deepening inequality. With France’s deficit above 5% of GDP and debt exceeding 113%, Macron’s government faces pressure from both voters demanding fairness and markets insisting on fiscal discipline.

Crowds, Clashes, and Arrests

Before dawn, riot police fired tear gas at blockades in Paris, while protests escalated in Lyon, Nantes, and Rennes. Authorities reported 181 arrests and more than 500,000 demonstrators, though unions claimed over 1 million. The Interior Ministry said 80,000 officers were deployed to keep order. Striking rail workers briefly stormed the Economy Ministry in Paris, leaving trails of smoke before dispersing. “Every time there’s a protest, it feels like daily life is held hostage,” said office worker Nathalie Laurent.

Budget Crisis Behind the Unrest

Macron’s government is trying to rein in a deficit nearly double EU rules and stabilize debt at 113–114% of GDP. Critics argue austerity undermines France’s cherished welfare state. “There’s already no money for soaps in the toilets,” said student Clara Simon, carrying a sign reading “University in danger.” Unions and left-wing parties demand alternatives such as taxing the wealthy, reversing pension reform, and protecting core public services.

Unions Push “Tax the Rich”

Placards reading “Tax the rich” reflected the unions’ rallying cry. “If there is indeed a crisis, the question is who should pay for it,” said Fabien Villedieu of SUD-Rail. Automobile factory unionist Jean Pierre Mercier added: “For decades we’ve been the ones paying for the rich, and today we must repay the debt again.”

Government Response and Political Stakes

After François Bayrou was forced out over his austerity budget, Lecornu has sought to calm tensions by dropping unpopular measures like scrapping public holidays. Yet opposition leaders and unions say Macron’s policies remain unchanged. “Bringing in Lecornu doesn’t change anything — he’s just another man in a suit who will follow Macron’s line,” said student Juliette Martin. Analysts warn prolonged unrest could undermine market confidence, raise borrowing costs, and deepen political instability.

On the Ground: Voices From the Marches

“Fed up. Really, really fed up,” said hospital nurse Aya Touré. Fellow nurse Stephane Lambert added: “Our pay is stuck, colleagues are leaving, and wards are closing beds.” Transport worker Nadia Belhoum compared people to “being squeezed like a lemon even if there’s no more juice.” Despite the disruptions, most high-speed TGV trains ran, but Metro services in Paris largely shut down outside rush hour.