France is experiencing significant disruptions in its public broadcasting and air traffic sectors due to ongoing strikes. Since late June 2025, staff from Radio France, France Télévisions, INA, and France Médias Monde have been striking against a proposed reform of the public audiovisual sector. The reform, championed by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, aims to create a holding company uniting these public media entities, with the intention of improving collaboration and efficiency, sometimes described as a move towards a "BBC à la française." However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from unions, left-wing deputies, and some senators who argue it threatens media independence and democratic plurality. On June 30, 2025, the French National Assembly rejected the reform at the outset of debate through a motion of rejection supported by the left-wing Ecology-Social group, preventing the text from being examined in detail. Despite this setback, the reform will return to the Senate for a second reading, where it previously received approval with some amendments. Meanwhile, the audiovisual public sector continues to be affected by strike actions, leading to program disruptions on channels including France Inter, RFI, and France 24.
Concurrently, France is facing major air traffic disruptions due to a two-day strike by air traffic controllers on July 3 and 4, 2025. The strike has resulted in the cancellation of approximately 933 flights across France on July 3, with about 40% of flights canceled at Paris airports and up to 50% at airports in the South of France, including Nice and Marseille. Ryanair alone canceled 170 flights affecting over 30,000 passengers across Europe, including 16 flights between Dublin and France. The strike has impacted not only departures and arrivals but also overflights, causing widespread travel chaos during the peak summer holiday season. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the strike as "unacceptable" and "illegitimate," refusing to yield to what he described as "blackmail" by a small group of controllers. The government has ruled out salary increases and emphasized ongoing recruitment efforts to address staffing issues. The strikes have drawn criticism from various political figures and industry representatives who highlight the economic consequences and passenger hardships caused by the walkouts.