France is experiencing a wave of protests led by the grassroots movement Bloquons Tout ('Let's Block Everything'), showcasing widespread public frustration with the political establishment and proposed budget cuts.
The demonstrations coincide with the inauguration of new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who has taken over after the recent ousting of his predecessor, François Bayrou, in a no-confidence vote.
Protesters have blocked streets, ignited trash bins, and disrupted access to critical infrastructure and educational institutions throughout the nation. By mid-morning, around 250 arrests had been reported, according to outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
In Rennes, a bus was set alight, and electrical cables were damaged near Toulouse. Major gatherings occurred in cities like Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Montpellier, with thousands participating, although the scale of disruption remained relatively modest. Most arrests took place in the vicinity of Paris, where a group of about 1,000 demonstrators, many masked, clashed with police outside the Gare du Nord.
Protesters chanted slogans targeting President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Lecornu, while some carried placards denouncing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The movement has gained traction over the summer, opposing Bayrou's €44 billion budget cuts, and now calls for increased public service investments, taxation for higher income brackets, rent controls, and Macron's resignation.
In the lead-up to today's protests, Bloquons Tout encouraged acts of civil disobedience against austerity and governmental contempt, resonating deeply with those feeling marginalized in French society.
Speaking to us, a group of young demonstrators outside Gare du Nord expressed their solidarity with those in precarious situations across the country. One protester mentioned feeling disillusioned with how Macron has addressed France's escalating debt issues.
As the fifth prime minister appointed in less than two years, Lecornu faces an uphill battle to present a budget that resonates with a diverse and often divided parliamentary landscape. His tenure's success will largely depend on his ability to foster cooperation among conflicting ideological factions in the Assembly.
In his initial address after taking office, Lecornu thanked Bayrou for his service and vowed to engage in meaningful dialogue with those in opposition, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach amidst the nation's political turmoil.
