Over 180 arrested as France faces largest protests in years

The French trade union CGT announced that more than 1 million people participated in protests across the country, while at least 181 protesters have been so far arrested.

The Interior Ministry confirmed that seven law enforcement officers, ten protesters, and a journalist were injured during the rallies, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Strikes and protests are affecting multiple sectors nationwide, including pharmaceuticals and education. The Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF) reported that 20,000 pharmacists are actively participating in demonstrations, while the Student Union syndicate estimated that 110,000 high school and university students have mobilized.

Excluding Paris, the Interior Ministry said that 282,500 demonstrators marched in regional areas. However, tensions escalated after the Paris procession, which began peacefully, near Boulevard Voltaire. Police reported "an attempt to damage a business," and officers were attacked with stones and bottles, prompting them to fire tear gas grenades and make arrests.

Authorities have deployed 35,000 departmental gendarmes to maintain order. Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau commented that blockades "were less intense than expected for the first part of the day."

The mobilization, organized by major French trade unions, responds to budget plans unveiled by Bayrou, who lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on September 8. Bayrou’s 2026 budget framework seeks to save nearly €44 billion ($51 billion) to tackle France’s rising public debt, which currently stands at 113% of GDP.

To secure the protests, the Interior Ministry announced the deployment of more than 80,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide. This force includes armored vehicles, drones, and water cannons. In a move reminiscent of the Yellow Vest protests, 24 Centaure armored vehicles and around ten water-launching devices were deployed across France.

Approximately 40 union marches took place nationwide, with preliminary estimates suggesting up to 800,000 demonstrators participated.

This large-scale protest follows last week’s “Block Everything” mobilization, which drew nearly 197,000 participants.

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu as the new prime minister. Lecornu is tasked with consulting political parties before forming a new government amid growing political tensions.

France faces one of the European Union’s largest budget deficits at 5.8% of GDP, and budget negotiations continue to be a significant source of political conflict. The failure to agree on the 2025 budget last year led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government after a no-confidence motion united left-wing and far-right parties.

By Vafa Guliyeva