On October 2, 2025, a new wave of anti-austerity protests is set to sweep across France, orchestrated by a coalition of eight labor unions. These demonstrations aim to exert pressure on the government as it finalizes the crucial 2026 budget proposal. While walkouts are anticipated in various sectors, including education and transportation, the scale of disruption is expected to be less severe than the large-scale protests seen on September 18, which drew hundreds of thousands of participants.
The government, is navigating a complex fiscal landscape. The proposed 2026 budget includes significant spending cuts of approximately 40-44 billion euros, aiming to address France's substantial national debt, which has reached approximately 3.4 trillion euros, representing 115.6% of the GDP. The goal is to reach a deficit of about 4.7% of GDP in 2026 and 3% by 2029. This fiscal tightening has drawn sharp criticism from unions, who argue that such measures disproportionately affect public services and workers' rights. Unions are demanding increased budget allocations for public services, policies to combat precarious work, investments in a sustainable ecological transition, and a renewed focus on re-industrialization and job protection.
Previous demonstrations on September 18 saw widespread participation, leading to considerable disruptions, particularly in public transport, with Paris Metro services heavily curtailed. However, projections for the October 2 protests indicate a more contained impact. While Paris Beauvais Airport may reduce its flight schedules, high-speed trains and the Paris Metro are expected to operate with minimal disruption. This suggests a more targeted approach by the unions in their ongoing efforts to influence fiscal policy.
The current wave of protests is rooted in a broader dissatisfaction with the government's fiscal policies and the perceived erosion of public services. The unions are advocating for tax justice, calling for measures to tax large estates and high incomes, and seeking social and environmental conditions for public aid to private companies. The government, on the other hand, faces pressure from investors concerned about the national deficit and a fragmented political landscape in the National Assembly. Credit rating agencies like Fitch have expressed concerns about France's fiscal trajectory and political stability, having downgraded the country's credit rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' due to its high and rising debt-to-GDP ratio.
Beyond the immediate budget concerns, the protests reflect a deeper societal dialogue about the balance between fiscal responsibility and social welfare. The unions' demands encompass a wide range of issues, from the upgrading of the teaching profession to ensuring adequate funding for healthcare. As the government grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the upcoming protests on October 2 serve as a critical juncture, highlighting the ongoing tension between austerity measures and the preservation of cherished public services in France.