On the 2nd, France once again saw multi-sector strikes protesting the government’s austerity plans and demanding higher taxes on the wealthy. Although the scale was somewhat smaller compared to the 18th of last month, tens of thousands of people across the country still participated in demonstration marches that day.
The nationwide strike was organized by several unions, including the French General Confederation of Labour (CGT). The most affected sectors remained transport, education, and healthcare. The Eiffel Tower was closed again, and some schools suspended classes. High-speed rail passenger services in France basically remained normal, while some regional rail passenger services reduced the number of trains. Some Paris metro stations were temporarily closed due to protest marches.
The French Ministry of the Interior stated that nearly 200,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country that evening, including 24,000 in Paris. The CGT union said that 600,000 participated in the day's protests. The police deployed 76,000 police officers and gendarmes to maintain order.
French unions are hoping to use this round of strikes and protests to continue pressuring the government to withdraw the 2026 budget plan proposed by Prime Minister Attal's government.