French fishermen blocked access to several ports in southern France on September 17, protesting soaring fuel prices and worsening working conditions. Demonstrations along the Mediterranean coast have entered their third day, adding to a wider wave of protests across the country.
Facing pressure from the fishing and other sectors, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu extended emergency fuel subsidies for agriculture, fishing and construction through the end of the year. The protests come as energy costs continue to put pressure on households and businesses.
The fuel-price crisis is also complicating France’s efforts to finalise its 2027 budget, which is expected to be presented later this month. The government is seeking spending cuts to reduce the deficit while navigating a deeply divided parliament and rising borrowing costs.
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