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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Why is France facing its biggest strikes in years?

A protester holds a sign reading "Tax the rich" during a demonstration in Nantes on 10 September 2025. France faces more protests on 18 September as unions call mass strikes. © Sebastien Salom-Gomis / AFP

France is bracing on Thursday for its biggest strikes and demonstrations in two years as unions rally workers across all sectors to protest what they call "brutal" cuts looming in the 2026 budget. RFI explains what's behind the day of disruption.

Public transport is expected to be worst affected, especially in and around Paris. Unions have warned as many as 90 percent of the capital's Metro drivers could join the strike.

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