Telegram founder 'proud' of platform’s role in French protests

ISTANBUL

Telegram founder Pavel Durov said he was “proud” of the social media platform’s role in protests across France on Wednesday.

“Proud that Telegram is a tool for protests in France against (President Emmanuel) Macron’s failed policies. After 8 years of neglect, people are done with empty PR and posturing - and they’re striking back,” Durov wrote on the US social media company X’s platform.

The protests stemmed from calls on social media for citizens to "Block Everything" on Sept. 10 with the aim of bringing the country to a halt in opposition to outgoing Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s national budget plan.

Gaining momentum with the support of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, the movement originated with a small online group called "Les Essentiels," saying: "On Sept. 10, we stop everything, not to escape, to say no."

Meanwhile, French trade union organizations also called for a day of mobilization across the country on Sept. 18 to protest Bayrou's budget proposals.

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

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.

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