Paris / France – On September 10, 2025, France witnessed a wave of protests under the banner of the “Block Everything” (Bloquons Tout) movement. Demonstrators blocked roads, set fires, and clashed with police, marking a tumultuous first day in office for newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The unrest underscores public outrage over austerity measures and political instability.
Nationwide unrest as Lecornu begins tenure
Tens of thousands took part in the protests, seen in both major cities like Paris, Marseille, Nantes, Lyon, and smaller towns across France. Protesters erected barricades, burned trash bins, and disrupted transport systems—particularly near Paris’s Gare du Nord, where police responded with tear gas.
Police deployed in unprecedented numbers—around 80,000 officers nationwide, including 6,000 in Paris, supported by armored vehicles, drones, and helicopters—to contain the unrest.
Mass arrests and political threats
Authorities arrested nearly 300 protesters across the country, including about 132 in Paris alone. The demonstrations coincided with Lecornu’s swearing-in after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote, deepening France’s political instability.
Grassroots fury targeting Macron’s austerity policies
The protests drew widespread anger over austerity measures—including proposed cuts of around €44 billion, elimination of national holidays, and a pensions freeze—announced earlier by Bayrou’s administration. The leaderless movement gained momentum online through social media and encrypted messaging platforms.
Echoes of past unrest
Observers drew parallels between “Bloquons Tout” and the Yellow Vest unrest of 2018, noting the shared grassroots nature and focus on economic inequality and government distrust. Analysts suggested that protests are now a reflexive tool among citizens disillusioned with traditional channels of political redress.
Political ramifications and next steps
The timing of the protests—amid a revolving door of leadership and deteriorating public confidence—poses a formidable challenge for President Macron and PM Lecornu. Critics warn that Macron risks another cycle of ungovernability as budget negotiations loom and public discontent simmers.