French fishermen blockade southern ports as budget pressure mounts

French fishermen blocked access to the port of Nice and several smaller ports in southern France on Thursday, extending demonstrations over soaring fuel costs into a third day.

The action adds pressure to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s minority government as it works to finalise a 2027 budget aimed at reducing the deficit. France has faced a broader week of protests and strikes, including action by power-sector workers and police over issues including pay and fuel.

Lecornu extended emergency fuel subsidies for agriculture, fishing and construction until the end of 2026. The value and detailed conditions of the subsidies were not given.

Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti visited the port and expressed support for the protesters. Ciotti leads a party allied with the far-right National Rally, which may have a significant role in the budget’s parliamentary prospects despite lacking a majority in the lower house.

Socialist lawmakers have ruled out supporting the 2027 budget, potentially leaving the government seeking National Rally backing or abstention. National Rally leader Marine Le Pen said the party would likely oppose the bill if it froze pensions below inflation, but did not rule out abstaining after examining the final legislation.

According to France 24 International, the budget is due to be presented to France’s divided parliament at the end of the month. The government is also under financial pressure, with borrowing costs reportedly at their highest level since 2008 amid a bond-market sell-off. France’s presidential election is scheduled for April–May next year.