Massive demonstrations erupted across France on Wednesday, resulting in approximately 200 arrests and violent clashes with police. The unrest followed the collapse of Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government and widespread anger over austerity measures.
A decentralized “Block Everything” campaign, organized by a left-wing coalition, targeted transport, schools, and daily life, prompting nationwide disruptions. French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly appointed Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally, as the new prime minister, but the move has been met with fierce criticism. Protesters described the decision as a “slap in the face,” demanding an end to Macron’s policies.
In Lyon, demonstrators blocked highways and set bins ablaze, while police in Nantes used teargas to disperse crowds. In Paris, masked protesters erected barricades and hurled debris at officers. The protests, fueled by discontent over budget cuts and inequality, have drawn comparisons to the 2018 yellow vests movement.
French lawmakers earlier voted to remove Bayrou, triggering a political crisis and calls for Macron’s resignation. The “Block Everything” initiative, which gained traction through social media and encrypted platforms, has no clear leadership but demands systemic change. Protesters insist they are tired of Macron’s repeated governments and seek urgent reform.