France expects over 400,000 protesters to join Sept. 18 mobilization

ISTANBUL

France is bracing for a larger wave of mobilization on Sept. 18 than on Sept. 10, with over 400,000 people expected to participate in the protests, broadcaster BFM TV reported on Monday.

"Sept. 18th will have many more marches than September 10th. Around forty union marches have been declared at the moment," a source told BFM TV, citing the Interior Ministry.

Organized by major French trade unions, the mobilization comes in response to controversial budget proposals introduced by former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.

Despite Bayrou's removal from power, the movement has gained traction and is now expected to outnumber the "Block Everything" protests on Sept. 10, which drew approximately 197,000 demonstrators with the goal of bringing the country to a halt.

Authorities anticipate that more than 400,000 people will join the upcoming strikes and marches across the country. As a precaution, the government may deploy around 80,000 law enforcement officers.

"Between 150 and 300 radical elements of the 'Black Bloc' type" could be present at demonstrations in major cities such as Paris, Rennes, Nantes, and Toulouse, BFM noted.

"They're going to want to form black blocs and destroy symbols of capitalism, like banks and stores," a police source warned.

Controversial national budget plan

France is facing mounting political tensions as Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on Sept. 8.

Bayrou, who unveiled a 2026 budget framework in July, was seeking support for a plan to save nearly €44 billion ($51 billion) as part of efforts to reduce France’s soaring public debt, now at 113% of its GDP.

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu as the country’s new prime minister. He has been tasked with holding consultations with political parties before forming his government.

France has one of the European Union's largest budget deficits at 5.8% of GDP.

Budget negotiations have been a major source of tension in French politics.

The failure to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget last year also led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December after left-wing and far-right parties united behind a no-confidence motion.