Large-Scale Strike Against Austerity Set for 18th Across France... Transportation Paralyzed (Comprehensive)

Up to 800,000 Expected to Gather
Following the "Nation Paralysis" Movement on the 10th

On September 18, large-scale strikes and protests are scheduled to take place across France in response to the government's austerity measures. This marks the second round of anti-government demonstrations following the "Nation Paralysis" civic movement on the 10th, and the scale of the protests is expected to be even larger. Widespread transportation disruptions and nationwide school closures are anticipated.

According to local media outlets such as France Info and the daily newspaper Lib?ration on September 16 (local time), France's major labor unions have designated the 18th as a day of joint action.

On the 13th (local time), protesters in Nantes, France, participating in the "Nation Paralysis" movement marched holding a banner that read "Macron Explosion." Photo by AFP Yonhap News

By the previous day, 40 rallies had been reported nationwide, but authorities expect additional notifications to continue up until the day of the protests.

Intelligence authorities estimate that more than 400,000 people will participate in the September 18 protests, surpassing the 200,000 recorded on the 10th (according to the Ministry of the Interior). In Paris alone, between 30,000 and 60,000 people are expected to gather, while approximately 100,000 are anticipated in the western regions.

France 24, citing sources, reported that up to 800,000 people could join the protests, with at least 250 rallies expected to take place.

The latest wave of protests was triggered when former Prime Minister Fran?ois Bayrou, who resigned, announced an austerity plan in July that included a freeze on government spending and the elimination of two public holidays to reduce public debt. Although newly appointed Prime Minister S?bastien Lecornu has since backed down by pledging to withdraw the plan to eliminate public holidays, public backlash continues.

In particular, the transportation sector, which experienced relatively little disruption during the "Nation Paralysis" movement on the 10th, is expected to face significant chaos this time. Three unions at the French National Railway Company (SNCF) will go on strike on the 18th. The government expects about 90% of high-speed trains to operate, but only 50% of intercity trains and around 60% of regional trains (TER) will run.

Philippe Tabarot, the Minister of Transport who resigned following a no-confidence vote against the cabinet, expressed concern on Radio France Info on the 11th that some unions might submit strike notices at the last minute, making it impossible for railway operators to guarantee even minimum services.

Public transportation is also expected to be affected. The four main unions of the Paris Transport Authority (RATP) have declared a strike on the 18th, meaning only three fully automated subway lines (Lines 1, 4, and 14) will operate normally, while the remaining lines will run only during rush hours. The RER suburban express trains and the Transilien regional rail network in the greater Paris area will also be on strike.

The education sector is also expected to join the strike, along with workers in the energy sector such as electricity and gas, as well as pharmacists and physical therapists.

Sophie Binet, Secretary General of the powerful General Confederation of Labour (CGT), stated the previous day, "You have to strike while the iron is hot," emphasizing the need to "consign Bayrou's (former prime minister) budget plan to history, achieve tax justice, withdraw pension reform, secure funding for public services, and raise wages and pensions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.