France Rocked by ‘Block Everything’ Protests Amidst Government Turmoil, New PM Takes Office

France was gripped by widespread unrest yesterday as the ‘Block Everything’ movement brought major cities to a standstill, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government. Protesters, mobilizing across the nation, set fires, blocked highways and gas stations, leading to hundreds of arrests and clashes with 80,000 deployed police.

The nationwide demonstrations, born online in far-right circles but quickly adopted by left-wing, antifascist, and labor union groups, saw an estimated 175,000 people participate in over 800 actions. Police made 473 arrests, with 203 in Paris alone, as barricades were erected in cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse. Incidents included a bus set ablaze in Rennes and electrical cable damage halting train services in the southwest.

This surge of public anger follows a week of political upheaval, culminating in the collapse of Macron’s centrist government earlier this week over proposed budget cuts and deep-seated resentment towards the political class. The no-confidence vote, fueled by opposition to former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s austerity plans – including freezing pensions and cutting health spending – forced Macron to appoint his fifth prime minister in less than two years. Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally, took office yesterday, immediately promising to meet with major political parties and acknowledging the need for change.

Despite the change in leadership, the mistrust over austerity measures and government policies persists. Protesters, including those who once supported Macron, voiced frustration over perceived disconnection from the ruling elite and demands for personal sacrifice. The decentralized, leaderless nature of the ‘Block Everything’ movement, reminiscent of the 2018 Yellow Vest protests, presents an unpredictable challenge for authorities, who had warned against violence ahead of the demonstrations.

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