Nationwide protests resumed in France as thousands marched across more than 200 towns and cities to oppose spending cuts and demand higher taxes on the rich.
In Paris, 24,000 demonstrators, including workers, retirees, students, teachers, and healthcare staff, marched from Place d&rsquo;Italie, while the Eiffel Tower remained closed due to the strikes. The French Interior Ministry reported nearly 195,000 people took part nationwide, a lower turnout than last month&rsquo;s massive demonstrations.
Unions have strongly opposed the draft budget measures that include social welfare freezes and austerity plans worth &euro;44 billion ($52 billion) in savings. They urged the new Prime Minister, S&eacute;bastien Lecornu, to abandon proposals set by his predecessor, Fran&ccedil;ois Bayrou.
Lecornu, appointed last month, has yet to unveil his cabinet or detail his budget strategy, fueling anger among opposition parties and unions. Polls show he has only 30% public support, with Socialist lawmakers pressing for concessions to avoid another government collapse.
Last month, nearly a million people had joined protests against rising inequality, with clashes, barricades, and tear gas marking the &ldquo;Block Everything&rdquo; campaign.

Thousands rally across France against spending cuts, demand higher taxes on wealthy

France Erupts in Protests Over Spending Cuts

Thousands rally across France against spending cuts, demand higher taxes on wealthy

October 3, 2025 | 21:32 IST