September 18, 2025 | 11:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - France was brought to a standstill on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by a massive national strike and demonstrations led by trade unions that swept the country. The protests were a powerful show of opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's budget austerity policies. Public transportation was disrupted, schools were closed, and even pharmacies ceased operations.
According to CNA reports, the protests were triggered by a €44 billion budget-saving plan initially proposed by the previous government under Francois Bayrou. Although Bayrou's government was removed from power after losing a vote of no confidence on September 8, the public believes the policy is being continued by the new Prime Minister, Sebastien Lecornu.
New PM Fails to Appease Protests
Sebastien Lecornu, who had been in office for only a week, pledged a new direction for the country, including the elimination of lifetime privileges for prime ministers and the cancellation of a plan to remove two national holidays.
However, these promises failed to quell the widespread discontent. As reported by Al Jazeera, trade unions assert that the budget plan disproportionately burdens the working class.
"We feel that our colleagues were not fooled by the appointment of Sebastien Lecornu," said Sophie Venetitay, General Secretary of SNES-FSU, the largest high school teachers' union.
The leader of the CGT trade union, Sophie Binet, emphasized that the primary obstacle to revoking the highly contentious pension reform lies with President Macron himself. "[The] obstacle [is] in the Elysee Palace," she declared.
Wave of Strikes and Blockades
The strike action permeated multiple sectors. One-third of teachers were absent from work, nine out of ten pharmacies were shut, and the Paris Metro was largely inoperative, with only three automated lines running.
As reported by France 24, students and teachers blocked access to 23 high schools entirely, with an additional 52 facing partial blockades.
In Lille, workers blockaded bus depots in the morning, while in Paris, approximately 300 students closed off access to Maurice Ravel High School with posters protesting budget cuts.
"The aim is to show the government that we’re here, that we’re fed up with being taxed like crazy, that we’re fed up with having trouble making ends meet," said Samuel Gaillard, a garbage truck driver, to CNA.
A transportation worker, Nadia Belhoum, told France 24, "We say ‘no’ to the government. We’ve had enough. There’s no more money, and a high cost of living. People agonising, being squeezed like a lemon even if there’s no more juice."
Tension in the Streets
The demonstrations were not without incident. Police in both Paris and Marseille deployed tear gas to disperse unsanctioned gatherings. More than 80,000 police and gendarmes were deployed, with support from drones, armored vehicles, and water cannons.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed concern that certain individuals would cause damage and undermine peaceful actions. "Whenever there is damage, property damage, or harm to individuals, we will be uncompromising and relentless," he warned.
He estimated that between 600,000 and 900,000 people participated in the protests nationwide, making it one of the largest mobilizations in France since the pension protests in early 2023.
Editor’s Choice: France Braces for Mass Protests Tomorrow, What Are the Demands?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Opts Against Special Team to Investigate August Riots, Says Minister Yusril
4 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Prabowo Opts Against Special Team to Investigate August Riots, Says Minister Yusril
1 hari lalu
Prabowo has instead entrusted the investigation of the riot cases to an independent non-judicial investigative team led by Komnas HAM.
Today's Top 3 News: France Braces for Mass Protests Tomorrow, What Are the Demands?
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
France Braces for Mass Protests Tomorrow, What Are the Demands?
1 hari lalu
France is bracing for mass protests and strikes on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with up to 800,000 people expected nationwide.
Air Travel on Alert: List of Airport Workers Strikes in Europe for September 2025
1 hari lalu
Here is a list of strikes by airport workers in several European countries.
6,118 Joint Forces Deployed to Secure Protests at Palace and DPR Today
1 hari lalu
6,118 combined personnel deployed to secure protest by online motorcycle taxi association at the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta today.
Bali Police Name 14 Suspects in August Riot
1 hari lalu
The police headquarters in several regions have become targets of vandalism following the recent riots in Jakarta at the end of August.
Inside Today's Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers' Protest: Key Demands and Routes
1 hari lalu
The Online Motorcycle Taxi Association, Garda Indonesia, will hold a protest today demanding seven demands.
What Are the Demands of Today's Motorcycle Taxi Drivers' Protest?
1 hari lalu
Online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers in Indonesia will hold a protest in Jakarta today.
Indonesian Human Rights Minister Sends Search Team for Three Missing Protesters
1 hari lalu
Indonesian Human Rights Minister deploys a search team to find 3 missing protesters during the mass demonstrations at the end of August 2025.
