September 17, 2025 | 02:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - France is preparing for a massive wave of protests and strikes on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with authorities expecting around 800,000 people to join demonstrations nationwide.
According to Al Arabiya, the mobilization will disrupt daily life, including road traffic, trains, and flights, while many schools are expected to close.
Labor unions have called for coordinated strike action to oppose the government’s proposed 2026 budget, which includes strict austerity measures aimed at reducing France’s growing debt.
Political Crisis Fuels Anger
The unrest comes just days after President Emmanuel Macron appointed his close ally, Sébastien Lecornu, as prime minister following the ouster of François Bayrou, who lost a no-confidence vote in parliament. Bayrou’s downfall was triggered by his push for unpopular austerity measures.
Public anger has been building for weeks. Last Wednesday, an estimated 200,000 people marched in grassroots demonstrations against Macron, with activists calling on social media to “block everything.”
Officials now warn Thursday’s turnout could be far larger, with more than 250 demonstrations planned across the country.
Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has warned of a high risk of unrest. Around 80,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide to maintain order, while authorities fear militant groups may infiltrate the protests.
Retailleau stressed that public buildings must not be targeted, warning of possible sabotage and blockades beginning Wednesday night.
Why Are Mass Strikes Happening?
At the heart of the protests is Macron’s 2026 budget proposal. Labor unions say the plan freezes social welfare programs and risks cutting public services, intensifying frustration already stoked by the controversial 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Railway, healthcare, and education workers will join the strikes alongside France’s major left-wing parties. This week’s coordinated action is broader and more organized than earlier demonstrations, raising fears of prolonged disruption.
Severe Disruptions to Transportation
Travelers face major delays and cancellations as transport unions mobilize:
Railways: Three powerful unions representing 70% of railway staff – CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, and CFDT-Cheminots – have filed strike notices. TGV high-speed trains, regional TER services, and commuter lines are expected to be heavily affected.
Paris Metro and Buses: State-owned operator RATP has warned of major disruptions to metro, RER commuter trains, trams, and buses from September 17–19.
Air Travel: While France’s largest air traffic control union delayed strike plans until October, smaller unions representing Air France staff are proceeding, likely causing cancellations and delays. Ground staff strikes could also slow check-in and security processes.
Road Transport: Taxi drivers have staged slow-moving convoys, while delivery and ride-hailing service workers may join spontaneous blockades, potentially restricting access to airports and train stations.
In addition to transportation, other sectors will also be affected, including healthcare services. Pharmacies are expected to close in large numbers, with limited emergency services if ordered by local authorities.
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