France was brought to a standstill on September 18th by a massive nationwide strike, dubbed “Black Thursday” by the national media. Up to 800,000 people, according to the Interior Ministry, took to the streets to protest against anticipated austerity measures from the new government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The demonstrations saw a broad coalition of citizens, from civil servants and teachers to transport and energy workers, united in opposition.
The organizing trade unions have presented a clear set of demands to the government. They are calling for the introduction of new taxes on the wealthiest citizens, a halt to spending cuts in crucial public services like healthcare and education, and the reversal of unpopular pension reforms. Marylise Léon, general secretary of the French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT), described the mobilization as “a clear warning to the government.”
Protests swept across the country, with a major march beginning in the afternoon at Paris’s Place de la Bastille. In other major cities such as Lyon, Nantes, and Nice, demonstrations began earlier in the day and were marked by confrontations with police. Protesters employed disruptive tactics, blocking major roads, and access to public buildings, schools, factories, and even military facilities, signaling a deep and widespread discontent.
The demonstrations in several cities escalated into violent clashes. In the capital, some protesters set fire to trash cans, vandalized bus stops, and threw firecrackers and bottles at law enforcement. Shop and bank windows that had not been boarded up in anticipation of riots were smashed. Police responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, leading to multiple arrests of the most aggressive participants.
In response to the widespread unrest, the French government deployed a significant security force. An estimated 80,000 law enforcement officers, including specialized riot police units, were mobilized across the country. The security operation was further supported by the use of armored vehicles and drones, highlighting the authorities’ effort to control the volatile situation and prevent further escalation of the riots.