France’s iconic Eiffel Tower was shut on Thursday as nationwide strikes and protests swept across the country, with unions demanding the government scrap austerity plans and raise taxes on the wealthy.

The Eiffel Tower closed its doors to visitors on Thursday as France was gripped by a wave of nationwide strikes and mass demonstrations against proposed austerity measures and spending cuts.

Thousands of workers, retirees, and students filled the streets of more than 200 towns and cities, calling on Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to abandon budget proposals introduced by his predecessor. The draft measures include welfare freezes and significant cuts, which unions argue will erode living standards for low- and middle-income earners.

In Paris, protesters marched from Place d'Italie while visitors arriving at the Eiffel Tower were greeted with signs announcing its closure due to the strike.

“I’m disappointed, but I understand — it’s a fight for their rights,” said Portuguese tourist Fabio Rocha.

The strike comes amid intense political turmoil and economic challenges. France’s previous minority government collapsed in September after losing a confidence vote, leaving the new prime minister racing to form a cabinet and present a budget.

With a national debt exceeding €3.3 trillion, about 114% of GDP, and last year’s deficit nearly double the European Union limit, President Emmanuel Macron’s administration faces mounting pressure from EU partners and financial markets to stabilise public finances.

Unions, however, insist the government should instead target the country’s wealthiest with higher taxes.

“It’s the first time we’ve had three days of strikes in a month without a government or a budget. It shows the level of social anger,” said Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union.

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