France is experiencing a day of protests led by a grassroots movement named Bloquons Tout ('Let's Block Everything') in response to anger against the political class and proposed budget cuts. These demonstrations coincided with the swearing-in of new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, following the no-confidence vote that ousted his predecessor, François Bayrou.
Protesters actively blocked streets, set fire to trash bins, and disrupted schools and infrastructure across the nation. By mid-morning, around 250 arrests were reported, according to outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who noted incidents such as a bus being torched in Rennes and sabotage of electrical cables near Toulouse.
Several thousand people turned out in cities like Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Montpellier. While the disruptions did not reach a massive scale, significant clashes occurred in Paris where approximately 1,000 masked protesters faced off against police outside Gare du Nord station, attempting to enter but were met with tear gas from authorities.
The 'Let's Block Everything' movement has taken to social media, rallying people against Bayrou's proposed €44 billion budget cuts, and advocates for larger investments in public services, higher taxes for the wealthy, and housing reforms. Protesters voiced their solidarity with Peers in precarious situations and expressed frustrations over President Macron's governance.
In a statement after assuming office, Lecornu emphasized the need for creativity and collaboration with the opposition to address France's ongoing political instability and economic challenges. The political environment remains fraught, as varying ideological groups within the parliament disagree on solutions to the country's staggering deficit of 5.8% of GDP as of 2024.
Following the unrest, Lecornu must quickly develop a budget plan that can win enough support from a fragmented parliament, understanding that the radical-left party, France Unbowed, is already considering a no-confidence motion against him.
