ISTANBUL 

Over 200,000 people have signed an online petition launched by French trade unions opposing the government’s 2026 draft budget, citing unfair austerity measures that favor big business, according to Change.org, which hosts the petition.

The petition, titled “Budget: Stop sacrificing for business,” was initiated by multiple unions in response to what they describe as “ruthless, unjust and ineffective” austerity measures outlined in Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s budget proposal, the French broadcaster BFMTV reported Friday.

Among the most controversial elements of the plan are the elimination of two public holidays, cuts to public services, reforms to unemployment benefits, and the suspension of certain social aid programs.

Unions argue the budget is skewed in favor of corporate interests and deepens social inequality.

The campaign has gained the backing of major labor organizations including the French Democratic Confederation of Labour and the General Confederation of Labour.

Bayrou unveiled the 2026 budget framework to the National Assembly on July 15. The proposal is part of the government’s broader effort to reduce public debt, which currently stands at 113% of France’s gross domestic product—one of the highest ratios in the EU.

France also has one of the bloc’s largest budget deficits at 5.8%.

Opposition lawmakers have denounced the plan as a continuation of harsh austerity policies. Budget negotiations have been a major source of tension in French politics.

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

A final vote on the 2026 budget is expected to be held in autumn.