France Erupts in Protests Over Budget Cuts

PARIS, September 18, 2025 — Teachers, transport workers, health staff, and students staged nationwide strikes and protests against looming budget cuts and fiscal reforms.

High schools were blocked, metro and train services disrupted, and electricity output reduced as unions denounced what they called “brutal and unfair” measures. Protesters demanded higher taxes on the wealthy, protection of public services, and reversal of pension reforms.

President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu are facing mounting pressure as hundreds of thousands joined demonstrations, with police preparing for potential clashes.