What happened?
French police arrested 473 people on Wednesday as “Block Everything” protesters attempted to paralyse transport and daily life across the country. The unrest came just two days after Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government collapsed under pressure from unpopular austerity measures.
By late afternoon, the Ministry of the Interior reported around 200,000 demonstrators nationwide, while the CGT, France’s largest labour union, claimed more than 250,000. In total, authorities recorded 812 actions, including 550 gatherings and 262 blockades. Thirteen officers were reported slightly injured.
Police response
Some 80,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed across France. In Paris, demonstrators lit fires, built barricades, and attempted to block the city’s ring road, Europe’s busiest urban motorway. Police swiftly dismantled barricades and used teargas to disperse crowds, including at Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest train stations.
Clashes also erupted around Porte de Montreuil, where rubbish bins were set ablaze and tram lines blocked. By the evening, protests were concentrated around Place du Châtelet and Place des Fêtes, where demonstrations were largely calm but filled with anger.
Voices from the street
Many protesters expressed frustration with President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Sébastien Lecornu, a long-time ally and former defence minister, as the new prime minister just a day earlier.
“It’s like giving us the middle finger,” said Pierrick, a middle school teacher. Others criticised cuts to public services and the culture sector.
Some bystanders sympathised but worried about the impact of vandalism. “I agree we should have the right to protest, but breaking things only hurts taxpayers,” said Nesrine, a Montreuil resident.
Government reaction
Following a crisis meeting, outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called the protests a “defeat for those who wanted to bring the country to a standstill.”
What is ‘Block Everything’?
The leaderless “Bloquons tout” movement has grown from widespread anger over inflation, austerity, and what supporters describe as a disconnected political class. Its tactics include spontaneous gatherings, road blockades, and transport disruption aimed at forcing government concessions.
