Archive · 29 Sep 2026
French strikes and student protests pressure Macron before 2027 budget
French government workers went on strike, and many high school students blocked school entrances.
They were unhappy about possible budget cuts, crowded classrooms, teacher shortages and low pay.
Teachers, firefighters and other public workers said they need more money and resources.
More than 330 schools were reportedly affected, although the exact number of protesters was not immediately known.
Some garbage bins were set on fire, and clashes or tensions were reported near schools in several cities.
The government said dangerous protests were unacceptable but agreed that schools’ problems should be addressed.
The government wants to save €54 billion and control its budget deficit.
Unions also oppose freezing state workers’ base salaries in 2027.
The unrest is occurring shortly before the government presents its budget and amid polls showing Macron and his government are unpopular.
French civil servants struck while high school students blockaded entrances across the country on September 29, 2026.
More than 330 high schools were reportedly affected, while up to one in 10 Paris high school entrances were blockaded.
Teachers, firefighters and other public-sector workers demanded better conditions, more resources and higher pay.
The government plans €54 billion in savings and a 2027 state-employee salary freeze as it seeks to control the fiscal deficit.
The protests came amid reported clashes and fires, limited transport disruption, and polls showing deep dissatisfaction with Emmanuel Macron’s government.
- Who
- French civil servants, high school students, teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron are central to the events.
- What
- Civil servants went on strike and students blockaded schools to protest planned budget cuts and demand better public services, working conditions, resources and pay.
- When
- The protests and strike took place on September 29, 2026, two days before the government was due to unveil its 2027 budget draft and seven months before the presidential election.
- Where
- The actions took place across France, with reported incidents in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Nice and the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis.
- Why
- Protesters opposed planned spending cuts, salary restrictions and inadequate school and public-service resources, while the government said savings were needed to control spending and the fiscal deficit.
Protesters and Unions
Government and Budget Officials
Public-service funding
Protesters and Unions
Students, teachers, firefighters and other civil servants say schools and public services lack funding and resources. They are demanding better working conditions and higher salaries.
Government and Budget Officials
The minority government says it must limit spending and prevent the fiscal deficit from spiralling out of control, including through a planned €54 billion savings drive.
State-worker pay
Protesters and Unions
The CGT and other unions oppose planned state-employee salary freezes, arguing that previous freezes have caused a double-digit loss of purchasing power.
Government and Budget Officials
The government proposes freezing the base salaries of state employees in 2027 to save €2 billion in spending.
School protests
Protesters and Unions
Students say there is excessive police repression against student and wider social movements, and they want more school funding and fewer police.
Government and Budget Officials
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu condemned fires, fireworks and violence near schools as irresponsible, while saying high schools’ difficulties should be heard and addressed.
- Date
- September 29, 2026
- Planned government savings
- €54 billion
- Schools affected
- More than 330 high schools, or slightly less than one in 10, according to the Education Ministry as reported by French media
- Paris blockades
- Up to one in 10 high school entrances were reportedly blockaded
- Teacher and school staff strike rate
- Just over 11%, according to the Education Ministry
- Other civil servants
- Fewer than one in 10 participated on average, with lower participation in hospitals
- Healthcare rallies
- Healthcare workers were expected to join 170 rallies across France
- Budget timing
- The government was expected to unveil its 2027 budget draft two days after the protests
