Clashes and arrests during nationwide protests against Macron

On Wednesday, massive protests took place in several French cities under the slogan “Block everything.”
The demonstrations were directed against budget cuts and the political elite.

The rallies led to clashes with the police, burning barricades, and traffic disruptions.

However, the authorities emphasized that the country remained functional overall.
In Paris, police arrested over 130 people. In Nantes and Montpellier, security forces used tear gas.

The protests came just two days after the resignation of Prime Minister François Bayrou and the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu, now the fifth head of government in less than two years and a close ally of Macron.

Criticism is increasingly directed at the president, whose leadership style is met with rejection across political camps.

The movement originated on social media among right-wing groups, but is now mainly supported by left-wing and radical circles.

The parallels with the “yellow vest” protests of 2018 are obvious – dissatisfaction with the elites, austerity measures, and a feeling of widespread social neglect.

(reuters, red)