France is facing widespread protests after the resignation of Prime Minister François Bayrou. On Wednesday, demonstrators blocked roads, set fires, and clashed with police using tear gas in Paris and other cities. The protests were meant to pressure President Emmanuel Macron by testing his newly appointed prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu.
Nearly 200 people were arrested in the early hours of the demonstrations, according to the interior minister. Police deployed around 80,000 officers across the country to remove barricades, manage crowds, and make arrests. In some cities, the protests caused serious disruptions. For example, a bus was set on fire in Rennes, and damage to a power line in the southwest delayed trains. Authorities accused protesters of trying to create “a climate of insurrection.”
Despite the violence, the unrest was less severe than previous crises during Macron’s presidency. During his first term, months of yellow vest protests shook the country. In his second term, Macron faced nationwide anger over pension reforms in 2022 and violent riots in 2023 after police fatally shot a teenager near Paris. These events show a pattern of ongoing social unrest in France, often linked to public frustration with government policies.
The current wave of protests began after Prime Minister Bayrou lost a parliamentary confidence vote on Monday. Bayrou had introduced austerity measures, including cuts to public holidays and freezing pensions, which were unpopular among workers and citizens. Following his defeat, he resigned immediately, leaving Macron to quickly appoint Sébastien Lecornu, his defence minister, as the new prime minister. Lecornu is Macron’s fourth prime minister in just a year, highlighting political instability.
Critics argue that appointing another loyalist instead of addressing public concerns has deepened anger. Unions and protest organisers said Bayrou’s resignation did not solve the problems that triggered the unrest. Sud-Rail, a rail union, wrote on X, “The fall of the government is good, but it’s insufficient.”
The “Bloquons Tout” or “Block Everything” movement, which started online over the summer, played a key role in mobilising the protests. The movement spread through TikTok, X, and encrypted messaging apps, encouraging strikes, boycotts, and street action. Its message resonated with workers, students, and activists who feel Macron’s policies have increased inequality.
Unlike traditional protests, the movement has no central leadership, making it unpredictable and difficult to control. While many participants were urged to act peacefully, isolated violence and vandalism occurred, including clashes with police and damage to property. Protest tactics ranged from road blockades and public strikes to boycotting major corporations like Amazon and Carrefour, echoing the yellow vest movement of 2018–2019. That earlier revolt began over fuel taxes but expanded into broader opposition to Macron’s government.
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The protests also caused widespread travel and transport disruption. Trains and flights were affected, although metro, tram, and high-speed TGV services continued to operate in most areas. The unrest demonstrated both public frustration and the practical challenges of managing a country-wide protest.
Macron now faces growing political pressure. Opposition parties accused him of ignoring voter anger by appointing another loyalist as prime minister. The Socialist Party warned that Macron risks “legitimate social unrest and institutional gridlock.” Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called Lecornu’s appointment a provocation and suggested that only Macron’s resignation could resolve the crisis.
Overall, the protests reflect both political instability and widespread public anger. The resignation of Bayrou, rapid leadership changes, and controversial policies have all contributed to the current unrest. At the same time, the Block Everything movement demonstrates how online networks and social media can quickly mobilise citizens, making traditional government responses more difficult.
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