Social unrest and strikes in France

France is experiencing widespread social mobilization across multiple sectors. Energy workers from companies such as EDF, Enedis, and Engie have launched strikes to defend the ‘tarif agent’, a preferential electricity and gas rate for employees and retirees. This movement follows a Court of Auditors report characterizing the cost as ‘disproportionate’.

Simultaneously, fishermen in southern France have escalated their protests along the Mediterranean coast. Building on previous demonstrations in Sète, Béziers, and Perpignan, protesters have targeted strategic oil depots in Fos-sur-Mer and Frontignan by erecting barricades to block fuel supplies. Demonstrators have also disrupted maritime activities, including preventing ferry departures in the port of Sète.

The protesters cite soaring diesel costs, which they claim have severely eroded profitability, alongside heavy administrative burdens and strict fishing regulations. Industry representative Ange Natoli stated that fuel costs have risen from approximately 30% to as much as 80% of their turnover, making many operations unprofitable. Some demonstrators have expressed frustration with both French state management and European Union regulations, using slogans such as ‘Europe is killing us.’

Law enforcement, including CRS riot police, have been deployed to clear blockades, such as the one at the Frontignan depot, which was dispersed without major incident. A delegation of fishermen is scheduled to meet with the French Minister for the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, to discuss demands for increased state fuel subsidies and relief from administrative constraints. Representatives have indicated that the movement will continue or intensify if no significant progress is made during these negotiations.

In response to fuel concerns, Energy Minister Maud Bregeon previously stated there is no general risk of shortage, attributing global price volatility to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.