By Gloria Nosa
France was rocked on Wednesday as more than 200,000 demonstrators poured onto the streets in a wave of anger against austerity measures and the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as the country’s new prime minister.
The movement, known as “Block Everything” (Bloquons Tout), sought to paralyse daily life and transport networks, with actions reported in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, and dozens of other cities. By evening, authorities had recorded 812 separate protest activities, ranging from peaceful rallies to road blockades and street barricades.
Mass Arrests and Heavy Police Presence
The Ministry of the Interior confirmed 473 arrests nationwide, while unions claimed the real turnout exceeded 250,000. Nearly 80,000 police and gendarmes were mobilised, with teargas and water cannons deployed in some areas to disperse protesters.
In Paris, tensions flared at Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest train stations, where demonstrators clashed with police as they tried to block access. Fires were lit in several districts, rubbish bins were overturned, and parts of the city’s ring road briefly came under blockade before officers intervened.
Despite the unrest, authorities hailed the protests as a “failure” for not shutting down the country, though critics argued the scale of mobilisation signalled growing discontent.
Public Anger Over Macron’s Choices
Much of the frustration was directed at President Emmanuel Macron, who appointed Lecornu—his long-time ally and former defence minister—as prime minister following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government earlier this week.
To many protesters, the appointment represented a continuation of unpopular policies.
“It’s like Macron is giving us the middle finger,” said Pierrick, a teacher who joined the Paris rally. “We wanted change, and he gave us more of the same.”
Others expressed frustration at deepening austerity, with cuts hitting education, healthcare, and the cultural sector. “We’re sick of working harder, paying more, and getting less back,” said Marie, a student and actress.
The Roots of “Block Everything”
Unlike the Yellow Vests protests of 2018, the “Block Everything” movement is largely leaderless, driven by online calls to action and grassroots frustration with inflation, austerity, and political gridlock.
Opinion polls suggest nearly half of French citizens support the protests, with backing stretching from the far-left to voters of the far-right National Rally. Major unions including CGT and SUD endorsed Wednesday’s demonstrations and announced plans for broader strikes on September 18.
Eric Challal of SUD Rail-Paris explained:
“We’re exhausted. We work harder every year, and now they want us to carry the blame for the deficit. It’s unbearable. People are fed up.”
![Protesters of the "Block Everything" movement take cover of a water canon behind umbrellas in Lille, 10 September, 2025 AP Photo]()
What Comes Next
What Comes NextWith France facing its most turbulent political moment in years, analysts warn the protests may mark the beginning of a prolonged confrontation between Macron’s government and a population weary of austerity and political stagnation.
For many on the streets, Wednesday’s message was clear: this is only the beginning.
“It’s time Macron and the politicians understand we’re serious,” said Thomas, a university student. “The rich and corporations aren’t paying enough—ordinary people can’t keep carrying the burden.”
The “Block Everything” movement now looms as the first major test of Lecornu’s premiership—and a sign that France’s political crisis is far from over.
