French Take to the Streets in a New Wave of Protests

Thousands of French citizens took to the streets on Wednesday in a new round of anti-government demonstrations aimed at paralyzing the European nation—the same day Sébastien Lecornu, a close associate of President Emmanuel Macron, was sworn in as prime minister.

The goal of the “Block Everything” movement, organized independently from unions and political parties, is to bring the country to a standstill. However, police reported more than 200 arrests during the early stages of the demonstrations.

According to security forces, the movement could resort to sabotage and blockades targeting highways, supermarkets, refineries, power plants, hospitals, schools, and airports.

For that reason, some 80,000 police officers and gendarmes have been deployed nationwide with orders to act firmly and suppress activists. In several respects, the protests evoke memories of the “Yellow Vests” uprising of 2018.

Authorities estimate that around 100,000 people will participate in various activities across France, most of them young and many identifying with left-wing ideologies.

Among the demands are environmental concerns—such as opposition to large reservoirs and pesticides in agriculture—along with gender equality, the fight against racial discrimination, rent control, and restoring the retirement age to 60.

Activists are also calling for Macron’s resignation, accusing him of policies that have enriched the wealthiest while placing a heavier burden on working-class citizens.

The protests coincide with Lecornu’s first day in office. Until now he had served as defense minister, stepping in after François Bayrou lost his seat in the National Assembly earlier this week.

A former member of the conservative party Les Républicains (LR), Lecornu now faces an immediate test of leadership, as the official transfer of power with Bayrou is scheduled for midday at the Hôtel de Matignon.