Widespread protests erupted across France on Wednesday as demonstrators blocked roads, lit fires, and clashed with police in an effort to pressure President Emmanuel Macron&rsquo;s government. The unrest coincided with the appointment of new Prime Minister S&eacute;bastien Lecornu, giving him an immediate political challenge.
Authorities reported nearly 200 arrests in the early hours of the nationwide demonstrations. Around 80,000 police were deployed, dismantling barricades and dispersing crowds with tear gas. In Rennes, a bus was torched, while damage to a power line disrupted train services in the southwest.
The movement, known as &ldquo;Block Everything&rdquo; (Bloquons Tout), spread rapidly online during the summer and called for blockades, strikes, and mass protests. Though the disruption fell short of its goal to paralyse the country, it created flashpoints across cities and intensified pressure on Macron after the collapse of Fran&ccedil;ois Bayrou&rsquo;s government earlier this week.
The protests echo the yellow vest movement that shook Macron&rsquo;s first term and the anger over pension reforms and police violence during his second. This latest wave reflects mounting frustration with economic inequality and austerity measures linked to Bayrou&rsquo;s budget policies.
Protesters in Paris repeatedly targeted the capital&rsquo;s beltway during rush hour, erecting barricades, throwing objects at police, and blocking traffic. While less violent than previous uprisings, the demonstrations underscored the fragile political climate confronting Macron and his newly appointed prime minister.

“Block Everything” protests disrupt Paris and cities as Macron installs new prime minister

France protests test Macron, new PM Lecornu

“Block Everything” protests disrupt Paris and cities as Macron installs new prime minister

September 10, 2025 | 20:58 IST