Paris: French trade union CGT announced that more than 1 million people participated in the ongoing protests across the country, according to the BFM TV broadcaster. The demonstrations have led to at least 140 arrests, with 21 occurring in Paris.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Interior Ministry reported that 75 individuals have been taken into custody, including 16 in Paris, and eight law enforcement officers have been slightly injured. The widespread strikes and protests are affecting several sectors, with the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF) noting that 20,000 pharmacists have joined the demonstrations, while the Student Union syndicate claims 110,000 high school and university students are mobilized.
The Interior Ministry further reports that 282,500 demonstrators are marching in regions outside of Paris. Although the Paris procession began peacefully, tensions erupted near Boulevard Voltaire as police responded to "an attempt to damage a business." Officers faced stone and bottle attacks, prompting them to use tear gas grenades and make arrests. There are reportedly 35,000 departmental gendarmes deployed.
Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau mentioned that the blockades were "less intense than expected for the first part of the day." The protests, organized by major French trade unions, are in response to controversial budget proposals introduced by former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. Retailleau predicted a "very, very strong" mobilization across multiple sectors such as public services, education, transport, agriculture, industry, and entertainment.
To maintain order during the protests, the Interior Ministry announced the deployment of over 80,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, using armored vehicles, drones, and water cannons. In a move not seen since the Yellow Vest protests, 24 Centaure armored vehicles and around 10 water-launching devices will be utilized across France. Approximately 40 union marches are planned throughout the country, with preliminary estimates suggesting up to 800,000 demonstrators will participate. This action follows the 'Block Everything' mobilization last week, which drew nearly 197,000 people nationwide.
France is currently experiencing significant political tensions after Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on Sept. 8. Bayrou's 2026 budget framework aimed to save nearly £44 billion ($51 billion) to reduce France's soaring public debt, now at 113% of its GDP. French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu as the new prime minister, tasked with consulting political parties before forming his government. France has one of the EU's largest budget deficits at 5.8% of GDP, and budget negotiations have been a major source of tension in French politics. The failure to agree on the 2025 budget last year also led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December.