Eiffel Tower closed as nationwide strikes sweep France over austerity measures
Eiffel Tower closed as nationwide strikes sweep France over austerity measures
Unions demand reversal of spending cuts and higher taxes on the wealthy as protests spread across the country
The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors on Thursday (October 2, 2025) as nationwide strikes disrupted transportation and public services in France. The mass protests, called by the country’s major unions, were aimed at blocking austerity measures and urging the government to impose higher taxes on the rich.
Thousands of workers, retirees, and students marched through Paris from Place d’Italie in the afternoon, joining demonstrations that spanned across the nation. The French Interior Ministry reported around 195,000 protesters on the streets, including 24,000 in the capital.
Union leaders criticized Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, appointed just last month, for not reversing the draft budget measures proposed by his predecessor. These include freezes on social welfare spending and other austerity steps that unions argue will worsen the strain on middle-class and low-paid workers. Lecornu has yet to unveil detailed budget plans or appoint his cabinet, while parliament is expected to debate the budget bill before year-end.
Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, said: “It’s true, it’s the first time that there are three days of strikes and protests in a month without a government or budget. It shows the level of social anger.”
The strikes affected regional train services, with some disruptions on commuter lines in Paris, though metro traffic largely ran close to normal. SNCF, the national rail operator, said high-speed train services were operating normally, while regional routes faced partial delays. Some teachers and healthcare workers also joined the walkouts.
This latest wave of unrest follows last month’s massive demonstrations, when more than half a million people marched nationwide and unions claimed turnout crossed one million. Protesters continue to press for increased public service spending, a rollback of the retirement age hike, and wealth taxes to ease fiscal pressure on workers.
