FRANCE – At least 309 people were arrested after nationwide strike started as France faced protests on Thursday, led by trade unions. Around 1 million people took part in the protests according to authorities, surpassing the projected value of between 700,000 and 900,000.

“A total of 309 people have been detained; 134 of them have been placed in custody,” Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said.

Previous Reports

According to local authorities, over 400,000 were demonstrating in the morning with around 260 simultaneous protests happening throughout France.

In the early hours of the day, France’s National Police reported 40 blockades and 111 arrests as of midday, according to local reports.

Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters that there have already been some “attempted blockades” across Paris and a “sabotage attempt against a water network” in Martinique.

Protesters have also started gathering across Var, Caen, Finistere, and Toulon.

Schools are not exempt from the strikes, with a high school in Paris blocked by students, and 33% of primary school teachers also joining the walkout.

Organized by major French trade unions, the mobilization comes in response to controversial budget proposals introduced by former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.

Retailleau said on Wednesday that he expects a “very, very strong” mobilization across multiple sectors, including public services, education, transport, agriculture, industry, and entertainment.

To secure the protests, the Interior Ministry will deploy more than 80,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, alongside armored vehicles, drones, and water cannons.

In a move not seen since the Yellow Vest protests, 24 Centaure armored vehicles will be deployed across France, along with around ten water-launching devices.

Approximately 40 union marches are planned across the country, with preliminary estimates indicating that up to 900,000 demonstrators will participate.

The Sept. 18 action follows the “Block Everything” mobilization last week, which drew nearly 197,000 people nationwide.

The National Budget Plan

France is facing mounting political tensions as Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on Sept. 8.

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.

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

France has one of the European Union‘s largest budget deficits at 5.8% of GDP.

Budget negotiations have been a major source of tension in French politics.

The failure to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget last year also led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December after left-wing and far-right parties united behind a no-confidence motion.