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France Erupts in Nationwide Protests Over Austerity Plans

  Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of France on October 2, 2025, in a powerful show of resistance against proposed government spending cuts. Organized by major trade unions including the CGT and CFDT, protests took place in over 240 cities and towns, with Paris, Dijon, Metz, Poitiers, and Montpellier among the key hotspots. The unrest comes amid political uncertainty, as newly appointed Prime Minister SĂ©bastien Lecornu works to form a cabinet and navigate contentious budget negotiations. Protesters are demanding increased investment in public services, a reversal of pension reforms, and higher taxes on the wealthy. The proposed 2026 budget, which includes a €44 billion reduction in public spending, has sparked widespread concern over its impact on low- and middle-income households. While the CGT union estimated turnout at nearly 600,000, the Interior Ministry reported a lower figure of 195,000, including 24,000 in Paris. Students blocked school entrances, a...

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Shutdown Stalemate: Blame Game Erupts as Parks and Museums Close

 

Vice President JD Vance, gestures as he stands with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, right, while speaking with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Washington.


The U.S. government officially shut down at midnight on October 1 after lawmakers failed to reach a funding agreement, triggering the closure of national parks, museums, and other federal tourist attractions.

On the first day of the shutdown, both Republicans and Democrats wasted no time pointing fingers. The White House accused Democrats of forcing the crisis by demanding health care provisions in the budget, while Democratic leaders countered that Republicans and President Donald Trump refused to compromise on Medicaid cuts and the extension of health care subsidies.

The fallout was immediate: hundreds of thousands of federal workers faced furloughs, while essential employees continued without pay. Visitors arriving at landmarks such as the Smithsonian museums and national parks were met with locked gates and “closed” signs, a visible reminder of the political deadlock.

With no resolution in sight, analysts warn that the longer the shutdown drags on, the greater the economic and social toll will be — from delayed federal services to strained local economies that rely on tourism.


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