France woke up to a wave of protests today, just as Sébastien Lecornu officially took over as the country’s new prime minister.
The demonstrations were called by a grassroots movement known as Bloquons Tout (“Let’s Block Everything”), which has positioned itself against the political establishment and looming budget cuts.
Across the country, protesters blocked roads, lit fires, and disrupted schools and infrastructure. In Rennes, a bus was set on fire, while in Toulouse, electric cables were sabotaged. By mid-morning, police reported around 250 arrests, most of them in Paris.
In the capital, about a thousand protesters—many masked—clashed with police near the busy Gare du Nord station. Officers used tear gas to push them back after some tried to force their way inside.
The movement has a distinctly left-wing character, with demands ranging from more funding for public services and higher taxes on the wealthy to a nationwide rent freeze—and even President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation.
“We’re here because we’re exhausted by how Macron has been managing the debt crisis,” said Alex, 25, who joined the Paris march. “I don’t trust the new prime minister to do anything different.”
Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, is now the fifth person to hold the job of prime minister in under two years. His predecessor, François Bayrou, was forced out earlier this week after losing a no-confidence vote.
The new leader faces an uphill battle. France’s deficit has ballooned to 5.8% of GDP, and parliament remains deeply divided. Parties on both the far left and far right have already voiced doubts about Lecornu, with the left promising to file a no-confidence motion against him.
In his first speech, Lecornu struck a cautious tone. Thanking Bayrou for his service, he acknowledged the instability France is facing and called for “sobriety and humility.” He promised to begin talks with opposition parties and trade unions right away, insisting: “We’ll get there.”
For now, though, the streets suggest many French citizens remain unconvinced. Photo by Ecole polytechnique Université Paris-Saclay, Wikimedia commons.