France: Over 100,000 protest against government austerity measures

On October 2, more than 100,000 people took to the streets across France to protest against proposed government austerity measures, according to police figures.

The French police prefecture reported around 24,000 participants in Paris and 85,000 in other cities nationwide, Caliber.Az reports per BFMTV.

Union groups organised the demonstrations, calling on citizens to oppose the government's economic reforms. Acting French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that approximately 5,000 gendarmes were deployed in Paris alone to maintain public order.

BFMTV reported that by 15:30 local time, gendarmes had positioned themselves outside the iconic La Rotonde brasserie in Paris to prevent protesters from reaching the site.

Security measures also caused minor disruptions on the RER C and Transilien H train lines.

Authorities said that around 250 marches were scheduled across France on October 2, with organisers expecting between 300,000 and 350,000 participants in total.

Earlier, dozens of striking railway workers occupied a Tesla dealership near Paris on October 2, demanding higher taxation of the ultra-wealthy. Videos show protesters, many affiliated with the militant SudRail union, chanting slogans such as “We hate billionaires” while waving red union flags.

The action is part of a broader wave of demonstrations across France, with more than 240 rallies and strikes planned nationwide on October 2. The CGT union confirmed that railway workers, teachers, healthcare staff, and even high school students were taking part in the mobilisation against the government’s proposed austerity measures.

Protesters said their message was aimed at President Emmanuel Macron, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the “criminal class” of ultra-wealthy elites. A popular slogan circulating among socialist groups on social media declared, “Block fascism. Block everything.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev