Lyoners Mobilize Against Austerity as OL Hosts Angers in Ligue 1

Lead More than 14,000 people took to the streets of Lyon on Friday to protest government austerity measures, while Olympique Lyonnais kicked off their Ligue 1 McDonald’s match at Groupama Stadium against Angers at 20:45.

Nut Graf Friday’s demonstration, called by the inter-union coalition against “austerity,” drew Lyon among over 250 rallies nationwide, underscoring growing discontent with economic policy. Meanwhile, OL aimed to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat in front of nearly 48,000 supporters.

Main Part Protesters chanted demands for tax justice and an end to privileges, carrying signs reading “Tax the rich” and “Fill social security, empty the pockets of the wealthy.” According to police, around 14,000 marched in Lyon without major incidents. The Interior Ministry deployed over 80,000 officers nationwide and reported 181 arrests, including 31 in Paris.

Union leaders vowed further mobilizations if the government fails to adjust its fiscal course, with the next inter-union meeting scheduled for mid-October.

At Groupama Stadium, newly signed striker Mateo Satriano made his OL debut under lights, flanked by midfield veteran Corentin Tolisso. Goalkeeper Dominik Greif also earned his first start after summer arrival. The match, broadcast on DAZN and Ligue 1+, saw early pressure from Lyon but no breakthrough by halftime.

European Heritage Days continued through the weekend, with museums and historic sites across Lyon offering free entry. The city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town attracted record visitor numbers, particularly at the Grand Hôtel-Dieu and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Traffic on main arteries, including Quai Jules-Courmont and Rue de la République, remained smooth despite simultaneous events, thanks to coordinated TCL transit extensions and pedestrian zones around protest routes and stadium access points.