France erupts: Protests signal Macron’s deepening political crisis

They expressed anger at the political class and budget cuts, demanding a “block everything” approach. They also voiced opposition to the appointment of the new prime minister.

Authorities said security forces were deployed nationwide to quickly clear any blockades. Dozens of protesters were arrested, and clashes with police occurred.

According to Reuters, the demonstrations come amid political turmoil in France, as Parliament dismissed Prime Minister François Bayrou in a vote of no confidence over his plans to manage the country’s growing debt.

On Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron appointed his fifth prime minister in less than two years: Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, angering left-wing politicians.

In Paris, firefighters removed burned objects from obstacles that students had placed to block traffic. So far, 132 protesters have been arrested by police.

One participant said: “Macron himself is the problem, not his ministers. Macron and his way of working are causing the issues, and he must go.”

Researchers and officials say the “block everything” movement represents broad, leaderless discontent, organized temporarily through social media. It emerged online in May among right-wing groups but has since been taken up by leftists and far-left activists.

In Nantes, western France, protesters blocked a highway with burning tires and trash bins. Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse them.

In Montpellier, in southwestern France, police clashed with protesters who had erected barriers to block traffic in a square. One protester carried a banner reading, “Macron resign.”

Police also used tear gas to disperse protesters in this city. Similar demonstrations were held in other cities, including Marseille and Lyon.