Paris, France – September 17, 2025 – France is bracing for a day of widespread disruption on September 18th as major unions call for a nationwide strike and demonstrations against proposed austerity measures announced this summer and yet to be fully dismissed by newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The protests are expected to impact all sectors, from schools and transportation to healthcare and public services.
Over 250 demonstrations have already been officially declared across the country, responding to the inter-union call to action against what they deem “brutal” budget cuts. Union leaders uniformly condemn the government’s approach, accusing it of once again burdening workers, the precarious, pensioners, and the sick.
Education Sector Heavily Impacted
Primary schools are bracing for significant disruption, with the SNUipp-FSU, the largest teachers' union, forecasting that one-third of its members will participate in the strike. This level of mobilization is comparable to the mass protests seen against the pension reforms in 2023.
In Paris, where protest participation traditionally runs higher, the union anticipates 45% of teachers will strike, potentially closing at least 90 schools. Crucially, six of the seven representative unions in public education, representing over 90% of staff, have called for a strike, a rare show of unity. Many private school unions under contract are also participating.
Transportation Network Faces Disruption
The transportation sector is also bracing for major disruptions. Railway workers unions have announced plans to halt train service, particularly high-speed lines, while air traffic controllers are expected to participate in a slowdown, potentially leading to flight cancellations and delays. Public transport workers in major cities, including Paris and Lyon, are planning rolling strikes throughout the day.
“We cannot allow the government to balance the budget on the backs of working people,” stated Jean-Pierre Dubois, a spokesperson for the CGT transportation union. “These cuts will decimate public services and create hardship for millions.”
Healthcare Workers to Protest
Healthcare workers are also joining the mobilization, concerned that budget cuts will lead to staff shortages, reduced access to care, and a deterioration of the quality of medical services. Unions representing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff have called for strikes and demonstrations, warning of a potential crisis in the healthcare system.
Government Responds
Prime Minister Lecornu has acknowledged the concerns of the unions but insists that difficult choices must be made to address the country’s economic challenges. He has called for dialogue and urged unions to engage in constructive negotiations. However, he has stopped short of committing to a reversal of the proposed austerity measures.
“We understand the anxieties of the unions and the public,” Lecornu stated in a press conference today. “But we must be realistic. We face a difficult economic situation, and we must make tough choices to ensure the long-term stability of our country.”
The September 18th protests promise to be a pivotal moment in the unfolding economic and political landscape of France. The outcome of the strikes and the government’s response will shape the future of public services and the social safety net for years to come.