The September 10 protests are a response to former Prime Minister François Bayrou’s austerity measures, including budget cuts, the abolition of two public holidays, and reductions in social benefits. Some would argue that strikes and demonstrations are a key part of French culture.
Organizers are urging people to:
The movement’s leaders argue that relying on cash—rather than digital payments—weakens the financial grip of major banks and corporations, which they accuse of profiting from the cost-of-living crisis while ordinary citizens struggle.
The strategy mirrors the 2018 Yellow Vest protests, which also saw demonstrators withdraw cash to protest economic inequality and the concentration of wealth. Then, as now, the goal was to disrupt “business as usual” and force policymakers to address public grievances. The current wave of protests has similarly gone viral on social media, attracting support from both far-left groups and apolitical citizens frustrated with rising prices and shrinking public services.
The call to use cash is not just symbolic. It reflects deeper anxieties about:
Franceinfo reports that some restaurants are joining the initiative to boycott paymentA transfer of funds which discharges an obligation on the part of a payer vis-à-vis a payee. More cards in protest against high card fees. «Boycott credit cards for a day, yes!” says a restaurant owner in the old port of La Rochelle to Franceinfo. « With a sign explaining protest. The call to refuse all card payments in every shop for a month has been put forward. For some owners, this is impossible, but expressing their solidarity with the movement for a day is being considered. »
Other restaurateurs are offering discounts when paid in cash. One couple based near Nîmes have promised 10% off for three weeks, reports Radiofrance.
While the full impact of the September 10 protests remains to be seen, the movement has already gained traction across political spectra, from far-left parties to disaffected citizens. Unions and civil society groups have also lent their support, with further strikes planned for September 18. The use of cash as a protest tool underscores a growing skepticism toward financial institutions and a desire for economic alternatives that prioritize people over profits.
There are many international examples where protesters or movements have called for ditching digital payments in favor of cash as a form of resistance or economic protest:
During the Greek debt crisis, the government imposed capital controls, limiting bank withdrawals to 60 euros per day. In response, many Greeks withdrew as much cash as possible before the restrictions took effect. Cash became a symbol of resistance against austerity measures imposed by the EU and IMF, and a way to maintain financial autonomy. Local markets and small businesses saw a surge in cash transactions as people avoided digital
The Indian government suddenly demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in an effort to combat corruption and tax evasion. The move caused chaos, as millions relied on cash for daily transactions. While the government pushed for digital payments, many protesters and small business owners resisted, arguing that cash was essential for survival in a country where large segments of the population lacked access to banking. The backlash highlighted the risks of forcing a rapid shift to digital economies without adequate infrastructure.
During the pro-democracy protests, some demonstrators encouraged the use of cash to avoid digital surveillance. They feared that electronic transactions could be tracked by authorities. Cash was seen as a way to maintain anonymity and fund protest activities without leaving a digital trail. Protesters also boycotted businesses linked to pro-Beijing figures, often using cash to support independent, local shops instead.
Lebanon’s economic collapse led to severe restrictions on bank withdrawals, with citizens only allowed to access small amounts of their own moneyFrom the Latin word moneta, nickname that was given by Romans to the goddess Juno because there was a minting workshop next to her temple. Money is any item that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular region, country or socio-economic context. Its onset dates back to the origins of humanity and its physical representation has taken on very varied forms until the appearance of metal coins. The banknote, a typical representati... More. ? Protesters stormed banks, demanding their savings in cash, and organized “deposit strikes” to withdraw funds en masse. Cash became a tool of defiance against a banking system accused of corruption and mismanagement. Many turned to cash-only transactions to bypass the failing digital payment infrastructure.
Argentines have long faced high inflation and currencyThe money used in a particular country at a particular time, like dollar, yen, euro, etc., consisting of banknotes and coins, that does not require endorsement as a medium of exchange. More devaluation. In response, many prefer to use US dollars in cash for large transactions, even when the government promotes digital payments. Cash (especially USD) is seen as a stable store of valueOne of the functions of money or more generally of any asset that can be saved and exchanged at a later time without loss of its purchasing power. See also Precautionary Holdings. More, and using it is a way to protest the government’s economic policies. During protests, people often withdraw cash to protect their savings from devaluation and bank freezes.
The Nigerian government’s push to replace old naira notes with new ones—ostensibly to curb inflation and corruption—led to severe cash shortages. Banks imposed strict withdrawal limits, causing widespread anger. Citizens protested by withdrawing and hoardingThe term refers to the use of cash as a store of value. However, the term has a negative connotation of concealment, and is often used in the context of the war on cash. See Precautionary Holdings. More cash, leading to riots and attacks on banks. The shortage exposed the country’s over-reliance on cash and the risks of poorly managed digital transitions.
After Western sanctions froze Russian assets and restricted access to global payment systems like SWIFT, many Russians turned to cash (both rubles and foreign currency) to protect their savings. Cash withdrawals surged as citizens feared digital payments could be blocked or monitored. The government responded by limiting cash withdrawals in foreign currency, but the episode underscored the public’s distrust of digital systems during crises.