France Braces for Mass Strikes and Protests Against Macron’s Budget

France faced a day of nationwide disruption on Thursday as unions mobilized against President Emmanuel Macron’s budget policies, warning of mass demonstrations and strikes that threaten to paralyze public transport. Officials cautioned of possible unrest from extremist groups.

The walkout comes just a week after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu — Macron’s seventh head of government — took office pledging to turn the page on past crises. His appointment, however, has done little to calm discontent. Unions remain furious over the draft €44 billion ($52 billion) cost-saving budget of his predecessor François Bayrou, despite Lecornu’s promises to scrap both lifelong perks for prime ministers and a deeply unpopular plan to abolish two public holidays.

Thursday’s action is expected to be the most extensive since the 2023 protests against Macron’s pension reform, with around one-third of teachers striking, nine in ten pharmacies closed, and major disruption across the Paris Metro, where only three automated lines will operate normally.

“Colleagues were not fooled by the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu,” said Sophie Venetitay, head of the Snes-FSU teachers’ union. “It did not calm the anger.”

Unions argue the true obstacle remains Macron himself, who has 18 months left in office but is grappling with record-low approval ratings. “The obstacle lies in the Élysée Palace,” CGT union leader Sophie Binet declared, renewing demands to repeal the pension reform.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of a “very, very strong” mobilization, calling it a “hybrid day” that could see both mass protests and sabotage attempts by far-left groups. More than 80,000 police and gendarmes are being deployed nationwide, equipped with drones, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Authorities expect 600,000 to 900,000 demonstrators across France.

In Paris, Police Chief Laurent Nuñez expressed concern that violent groups could infiltrate the main march, urging central shops to shutter and protect their storefronts.

While most high-speed trains will continue to run and air traffic disruption should be minimal after a postponed strike, unions have warned of a fresh three-day action by controllers in early October.

The last informal protest day on September 10 failed to “block everything,” as unions vowed, but Thursday’s strike looks set to deliver the government one of its biggest challenges since last year’s pension battle.