French fishermen blockade ports over soaring fuel costs as budget fight looms

French fishermen blocked access to ports in southern France on Thursday in protest over high energy prices, adding to pressure on the government as it scrambles to finalise a deficit-taming 2027 budget ahead of next year's presidential election. The blockades are the latest in a wave of protests sweeping France this week with workers from the power sector to the police striking on Tuesday over issues ranging from pay to fuel. Fishermen blocked the port of Nice and several smaller cities on Thursday as demonstrations along the Mediterranean coast over the high cost of fuel extended into their third day. Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti, who leads a party allied with the far-right National Rally (RN), visited the port on Thursday, offering support. "I understand their anger," he said. Read moreFrench candidates race to claim the cost-of-living issue ahead of 2027 vote Under growing pressure, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Wednesday extended emergency fuel subsidies until the end of the year for the agriculture, fishing and construction sectors. President Emmanuel Macron convened a rare meeting of party chiefs on Friday to discuss the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine and the conse...