800,000 Expected to Take to the Streets! France Faces Nationwide Strike Today

Following the "Block France" protests across multiple French cities on September 10, several French labor unions have announced another nationwide strike and demonstration on the 18th local time to protest the budget draft aimed at reducing fiscal expenditures.

French police stated that an estimated 800,000 people are expected to take to the streets on the 18th, with over 250 gatherings likely to be held nationwide. Significant impacts are anticipated in sectors such as transportation, education, and healthcare.

In response, Chinese embassies and consulates in France have advised Chinese citizens in France, especially tourists, to closely monitor the local security situation, check updates on flights and trains in a timely manner, prioritize personal and property safety, avoid protest areas, and minimize non-essential travel, particularly solo outings at night.

According to reports, all major French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Rennes, and Montpellier, are planning protests. In Paris, the march is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM local time on the 18th, with demonstrators expected to pass through Place de la Bastille, Place de la République, Place de la Nation, and other locations.

Transportation across many parts of France is expected to be severely affected. In Paris, the French railway and bus unions have indicated that 90% of metro drivers and 80% of RER drivers will participate in the strike. Some metro lines are expected to be completely closed, while others will operate only partially.

Additionally, although the air traffic controllers' union has announced a postponement of their strike to October 7–9, some airline unions have stated they will still participate in the strike on the 18th, creating uncertainty for flight operations that day.

Furthermore, the French Federation of Education Unions has mentioned that about one-third of primary school teachers will join the strike. A survey by the French pharmacists' union shows that 98% of pharmacies across France may remain closed all day. Employees in the electricity and gas industries will also hold gatherings outside energy facilities.