France's new prime minister faced a tumultuous welcome on Wednesday, as an estimated 175,000 protesters took to the streets across the nation in a widespread demonstration of dissent. Under the banner of "block everything," demonstrators engaged in widespread civil disobedience, disrupting transportation networks by blocking roads and train stations. Images emerged of burning barricades and clashes with authorities, painting a picture of significant public unrest. The Interior Ministry reported a significant number of arrests, with at least 473 individuals taken into custody. The protests, fueled by anger over planned government budget cuts, highlight the deep-seated anxieties and opposition to the new administration's economic policies. The scale of the demonstrations underscores the considerable challenge facing the new prime minister as they attempt to navigate the turbulent political landscape and implement their agenda. The coming days will be critical in determining the government's response to the widespread discontent and the potential for further escalation of the protests.
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Originally published at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/10/france-protest-block-everything-macron-lecornu/
