Brief
French students and public workers strike over planned budget cuts
Students blockaded schools and teachers joined a nationwide strike as the government faces backlash over a 2‑billion‑euro austerity drive.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 29 September, French high‑school students and public sector workers staged a coordinated protest and strike in several cities, demanding the government withdraw planned budget cuts ahead of the 2027 fiscal year. The action came two days before the Ministry of National Education was due to unveil the draft budget and seven months before the presidential election.
More than 330 schools were affected, with students blocking entrances and setting bins on fire in places such as Lille, Nantes and Paris. Police responded with tear gas and 40 arrests were made, while 10 people, including students and staff, were wounded. In one Paris suburb, teachers lined up around protesting students to protect them from police.
Teachers and other civil servants also joined the strike. The Education Ministry said about 11 % of teachers and school staff participated, while participation among other civil servants was below one in ten. Firefighters, who highlighted resource gaps exposed by this summer’s wildfires, marched in several cities. The CGT union leader Sophie Binet demanded the government give 48 hours to withdraw the cuts, condemning a fourth consecutive annual freeze in state employees’ base pay as part of a 2‑billion‑euro savings push and a wider 54‑billion‑euro austerity drive.
Public workers’ strikes included civil aviation authorities warning of flight disruptions at some airports. The protests reflected deep dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron and his centre‑right government, as opinion polls consistently show low approval ratings.
Key facts
- More than 330 high schools were affected by the protests (aljazeera.com)
- 40 arrests were made and 10 people were wounded (aljazeera.com)
- About 11 % of teachers and school staff joined the strike (aljazeera.com)
- The CGT union demanded a 48‑hour withdrawal of the planned cuts (aljazeera.com)
Background
Felo News previously reported on student protests in Delhi University on 26 September, highlighting student activism across the globe.
Why it matters
The protests signal growing public discontent ahead of France’s presidential election and could influence the government’s budgetary plans.
What happens next
The government is expected to respond to the union’s demands before unveiling the draft 2027 budget.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Photos: French students protest, public workers strike before budget cuts”
