France is witnessing a day of unprecedented protests led by the grassroots movement Bloquons Tout ('Let's Block Everything'), a demonstration fueled by anger against the political elite and the proposed budget cuts. The protests coincide with the installation of new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, following the ousting of François Bayrou through a no-confidence vote earlier this week.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets, blocking roads, igniting bins, and disrupting access to critical infrastructure and educational institutions across the nation. By mid-morning, approximately 250 people had been arrested, as per outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Torching of a bus in Rennes and sabotage of electric cables in Toulouse were reported incidents reflecting the movement’s intensity.
Gatherings of thousands occurred in major cities including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Montpellier. While the scale of disruption remained relatively contained, most arrests occurred in Paris, where clashes between roughly 1,000 masked protesters and police erupted outside Gare du Nord train station, leading to the use of tear gas by law enforcement to disperse crowds attempting to breach the station.
Protesters chanted slogans directed at President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Lecornu, with many carrying placards addressing various issues, including the war in Gaza. Bloquons Tout emerged through social media several months ago, gaining traction over the summer as it encouraged protests against Bayrou's proposed cuts totaling €44 billion.
The movement is characterized by its left-wing stance, advocating for increased investment in public services, high-income taxation, and rent freezes, along with calls for President Macron's resignation. Ahead of the unrest, the group urged citizens to engage in acts of civil disobedience against 'austerity, contempt, and humiliation.'
Young protesters conveyed their solidarity for those facing economic hardships across France, expressing frustration with Macron's handling of the country's debt crisis. One protester, Alex, 25, conveyed skepticism regarding Lecornu's potential to alter the course set by his predecessor.
As France's political landscape continues to evolve, Lecornu faces immediate challenges as the fifth prime minister in under two years. His economic policies will need to find common ground in a hung parliament fraught with ideological divides. Critics, including the far-right National Rally, remain cautious as Lecornu embarks on his duties, voicing a need for negotiation and accountability in the face of mounting social unrest.
