Strikes, Fuel Prices and France’s Biggest Wildfire: News Digest

From nationwide strikes and student protests to soaring fuel prices and delayed rollout of TGV, there is plenty to keep an eye on in France this week. Pope Leo XIV has also wrapped up his visit with a call for peace, while one of the country’s worst wildfires in decades has finally been declared extinguished.

Nationwide public sector strike brings demonstrations and disruption

France is facing a nationwide public sector strike today, Tuesday 29 September, with unions calling on workers to walk out over pay, working conditions and the government’s plans for the 2027 budget. More than a hundred rallies and demonstrations have been announced across France, while teachers and other public sector workers are expected to join the action.

For travellers, disruption to national rail services is expected to be relatively limited. SNCF says TGV and Intercités services should run normally, with TER services also largely unaffected. Some Transilien lines around Paris are expected to experience disruption, while schools and other public services could be affected.

France’s largest wildfire since 1949 officially extinguished

A huge wildfire that burned 42,000 hectares in southwest France has finally been declared extinguished, almost two months after it began.

The blaze became France’s largest wildfire since 1949, devastating large areas of forest and prompting evacuations during the summer. Although the fire had previously been brought under control, firefighters continued monitoring the area for hotspots before it was officially declared extinguished this week.

164 students arrested in protests spread across France

Student demonstrations have spread beyond the Paris region, with pupils blockading schools and protesting over overcrowded classes, heavy workloads, poor quality learning materials and teacher shortages. The movement began in the Île-de-France region around the capital, Paris, but spread to other parts of the country on Monday, including Lille in the north, Marseille in the south and Sedan in the east.

The movement affected around 180 schools, with more than 160 people arrested amid incidents surrounding some demonstrations, according to French authorities. Student organisations have called for further blockades, coinciding with the nationwide public sector strike.

RN and UDR gain enough seats to form Senate group

France’s Senate elections took place on Sunday 27 September, with 178 of the chamber’s 348 seats up for renewal. The Rassemblement National (RN) gained nine seats, while its ally the UDR won two, giving the two parties enough senators to form a parliamentary group in the Senate for the first time.

The traditional right and centre retained their majority in the upper house, meaning the result does not change the overall balance of power in the Senate. However, the creation of an RN and UDR group marks a new development ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.

Fuel prices remain high across France

Fuel prices remain a concern for French households and motorists, with diesel averaging around €2.39 per litre and E10 petrol around €2.17 per litre on 29 September. Prices have been pushed higher by the ongoing energy crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The government has expanded financial support for people most affected by higher fuel costs, increasing the number of eligible low income, high mileage commuters from three million to 5.5 million. Support has also been extended to sectors including farming, fishing and construction.

TotalEnergies is also continuing its fuel price cap at its French stations, with petrol limited to €1.99 per litre and diesel to €2.25 per litre.

New TGVs delayed as France opens railways to competition

The introduction of France’s new TGV M trains has been delayed again. The trains were due to begin operating on the Paris to Marseille route in September, but problems discovered during testing have pushed their arrival back.

The fifth generation trains promise greater comfort, lower energy use and more flexible capacity. Meanwhile, France is moving towards greater competition on its high speed rail network, with new operators preparing to compete with SNCF on some routes.

Pope Leo XIV calls for peace and unity during France visit

Pope Leo XIV has concluded his four day visit to France with a visit to Metz, where he called for peace, dialogue and greater European unity.

Speaking in the city associated with Robert Schuman, one of the founding figures of European integration, the Pope highlighted the importance of cooperation and respect in international relations. His visit also included Lourdes, where he met survivors of clerical sexual abuse and spoke about the Church’s responsibility towards victims.