Thousands of French citizens demonstrated Thursday across more than 200 cities against government austerity measures and the new budget proposal.

In Paris, large crowds marched from Place d’Italie, while the Eiffel Tower was closed due to strikes.

Unions demanded taxes on the wealthy instead of spending cuts, warning of shrinking purchasing power.

The interior ministry reported that approximately 195,000 people participated—fewer than in earlier protests, but still indicating ongoing social discontent.