Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Paris on Tuesday as France’s unions reopened a battle with the government over its 2026 draft budget. The CGT, quoted by Le Figaro, estimated the turnout at nearly 17,000 people, a sharp decline from the mass protests earlier in the autumn. According to Interior Ministry figures also cited by the newspaper, 55,000 people mobilized in September, followed by 24,000 in October, reflecting a steady drop in participation even as public anger persists.

The renewed mobilization comes at a critical moment in the budget debate. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu defended his fiscal plan as an essential shift toward financial stability, saying the government intends to reduce the budget deficit to 4.7% of GDP while implementing what he described as "bold economic measures." The plan includes 14 billion euros ($16.3 billion) in additional taxes as well as a freeze on retirement and social benefits, which unions argue will deepen economic insecurity at a time of high living costs.

🎥 🇲🇫 Manifestation à Paris organisée dans le cadre d’un appel des syndicats à la mobilisation pour des salaires plus élevés et contre l’austérité, le 2 décembre 2025 pic.twitter.com/M7rgnlFaAW

— Press TV Français (@fr_presstv) December 2, 2025

Union Pressure Intensifies

Despite the reduced crowd size, France’s major labor confederations, CGT, Solidaires, FSU and others, insist they are not backing down. In recent weeks, the unions have jointly rejected both the government’s initial proposal and any streamlined version that could be forced through Parliament. Union leaders warn that the measures will have “catastrophic consequences” for workers, pensioners, and public services if enacted.

Their position gained new momentum after Parliament voted in November to suspend the controversial pension reform, a move viewed as a rare concession to months of social discontent. However, the freeze on pensions and benefits planned for 2026 remains intact, fueling new calls for nationwide action.

Economic and Political Stakes

The debate over the draft budget comes as France faces severe fiscal pressure. With EU budget rules set to return in 2025 and credit rating agencies expressing concern over the country’s rising debt, the government argues that significant consolidation is unavoidable. Economists, however, have warned that the combination of higher taxes and reduced social spending may undercut household consumption, slow down already fragile economic growth, and place added strain on public services.

Le Monde has described the current fiscal trajectory as potentially triggering a “massive shock” to the French economy. Critics say the proposed measures would disproportionately affect low-income households and retirees, many of whom have already reported declining purchasing power since 2023.

For Lecornu’s government, political tensions compound the challenge. Lacking a stable parliamentary majority, the administration has struggled to secure backing for the budget, and negotiations with opposition parties are ongoing. Officials have signaled that they remain determined to pass at least a revised version of the plan despite the growing pushback.

Protest Momentum Remains Uncertain

Although participation on Tuesday was lower than in previous demonstrations, union leaders insist that turnout alone does not reflect the depth of frustration.

They argue that the government is continuing an austerity path rejected by large segments of the population, particularly after months of strikes by teachers, railway workers, and health-sector employees.

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