800,000 People Expected to Take to France’s Streets to Protest Planned Budget Cuts
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, France is bracing for a significant wave of nationwide protests, with authorities estimating that up to 800,000 people will take to the streets. This massive mobilization is in response to the government's proposed budget cuts aimed at reducing the country's ballooning debt. Trade unions have called for strikes and demonstrations, urging citizens to unite against what they describe as a "horror show" draft budget.
The planned protests are expected to disrupt various sectors, including road traffic, rail and air services, and education, with many schools anticipated to be closed. The scale of the protest action is expected to be comparable to the 2023 demonstrations against the controversial pension reform, which saw between 280,000 and more than a million people demonstrating, depending on the day.
The government's proposed budget cuts have sparked widespread anger among public sector workers, students, and various civil society groups. Critics argue that the austerity measures disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and undermine essential public services. In response, unions and activist organizations have come together to organize the upcoming protests, emphasizing the need for solidarity and collective action to protect public services and ensure social equity.
As the day of protest approaches, authorities are preparing for potential disruptions and clashes. The scale of the anticipated demonstrations underscores the deep-seated discontent with the government's fiscal policies and the growing demand for a more equitable approach to economic governance.
This wave of protests in France reflects a broader trend of public dissent across Europe, where citizens are increasingly mobilizing to challenge austerity measures and advocate for policies that prioritize social welfare and economic justice.