Strikes Ripple Through Daily Life
On September 18, 2025, strikes organized by French unions swept across the nation in opposition to government spending cuts, leaving public services heavily affected. Transport systems were scaled back, many classrooms remained closed, and pharmacies cut their hours as employees joined the demonstrations. Labor leaders said participation numbered in the hundreds of thousands nationwide.
Unrest in the Capital as Cities Mobilize
Major urban centers including Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and Montpellier saw significant marches, but Paris became the flashpoint of unrest. While most gatherings unfolded peacefully, parts of the capital witnessed violent episodes, with banks vandalized and clashes erupting between police and demonstrators. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to contain tensions.
Political Stakes Rise for Government
By nightfall, officials confirmed 141 arrests across the country, many stemming from confrontations in Paris. The day of disruption adds to the pressure facing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, whose budget blueprint calls for sweeping reductions and reforms. Critics warn the cuts would erode France’s social protections, and calls are mounting for the government to scrap or amend the proposals.
