'Block Everything' protests erupt against Macron govt, 300 arrested

The appointment of Sebastien Lecornu as the new Prime Minister of France prompted massive protests in Paris and several other cities as young protesters hit the streets against the Emmanuel Macron-led government under the slogan ‘Block Everything’. According to local media reports, the protesters carried out blockades at Henri-IV and Lavoisier in the 5th arrondissement (district), Lamartine in the 9th, Voltaire in the 11th, Claude-Monet in the 13th, and Hélène-Boucher in the 20th in the capital, Paris. New Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised a "profound break" in substance and "not just in form" as he took office during a handover ceremony on Wednesday. His inauguration came as protests across France underscored the depth of the country's political crisis."There is a gap between real life and the political situation," said Lecornu. But, he vowed, his government "will succeed" before adding, "nothing is impossible".
"Block Everything" protesters say new French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is close to President Emmanuel Macron and will pursue the same austerity policies of previous centrist administrations.France 24 reported that Lecornu faces a daunting challenge, pointing out that he has "an uphill task getting a budget passed in a divided National Assembly." Nearly 300 people arrested, French interior ministry says.

Clashes between anti-Macron protesters and police in France

Demonstrators throw trash and blocking roads, police responds with tear gas

Macron has repeatedly stated he will not resign, despite a mere 15% approval rating, according to Le Figaro poll https://t.co/ELcz3lIWCo pic.twitter.com/LnWStjlf1z

— RT (@RT_com) September 10, 2025

According to police, "a thousand determined individuals" carried out an "attempted intrusion" at Gare du Nord station, which was thwarted. Demonstrations and attempted blockades were also reported outside Parisian secondary schools and in cities including Rennes and Montpellier. Around a hundred young people, some wearing hoods, gathered outside Lavoisier school, holding placards that read, "We are blocking because we care about our mental health" and "To fill their coffers, Bayrou is picking our pockets."