Mass Protests in Nantes Over Severe Budget Cuts to Culture and Social Programs

Over 3,000 cultural professionals and citizens gathered to oppose drastic funding reductions announced by Pays-de-la-Loire's regional government.

The regional government of Pays-de-la-Loire, led by President Christelle Morançais, announced €100 million in budget cuts, exceeding the €40 million requested by the national government.
These cuts will heavily impact cultural programs, including festivals, arts organizations, and educational initiatives, as well as social services like missions locales.
More than 3,000 cultural professionals, artists, and concerned citizens protested in Nantes, expressing outrage over the sudden and significant funding reductions.
Specific cultural institutions, such as the Spanish Cinema Festival in Nantes, face the loss of substantial subsidies, threatening their ability to operate and engage communities.
Further protests are planned, with unions and associations calling for additional demonstrations on December 5 and December 19, when the budget will be officially voted on.