Tens Of Thousands Join ‘Block Everything’ Movement Protests Across France, Barricade Highways, Chant ‘Macron Resign’
Tens Of Thousands Join ‘Block Everything’ Movement Protests Across France, Barricade Highways, Chant ‘Macron Resign’
The “Block Everything” movement, which started online in May among right-wing groups before being embraced by leftist and far-left activists, has rapidly transformed into a nationwide rebellion.
France descended into chaos on Wednesday as tens of thousands of protesters disrupted transport networks, barricaded highways, and clashed with security forces in a wave of anger against President Emmanuel Macron, the political elite, and painful spending cuts.
The “Block Everything” movement, which started online in May among right-wing groups before being embraced by leftist and far-left activists, has rapidly transformed into a nationwide rebellion.
According to Reuters, the protests coincided with mounting political turmoil in Paris, where conservative Sébastien Lecornu was sworn in as Macron’s new prime minister after parliament forced out his predecessor over unpopular austerity plans.
Authorities deployed more than 80,000 police officers across the country, but scenes of defiance flared from Nantes to Paris.
In Nantes, demonstrators set tires and trash bins ablaze to cut off a highway before police fired tear gas. In Rennes, a city bus was torched. In Montpellier, barricades blocked major roundabouts under a banner reading “Macron resign.”
Paris too was engulfed, as youths blocked high schools and burned bicycles to fortify barricades. Firefighters rushed to clear smoldering streets while scuffles broke out near Châtelet shopping mall, where otherwise peaceful marches turned confrontational.
The protests, which activists say aim to “bring the country to a halt,” drew comparisons to the 2018–2019 Yellow Vest revolt that shook Macron’s presidency.
Then, it was anger over fuel taxes and the cost of living. Now, it is the government’s austerity drive and deep frustration with France’s political class.
According to The Guardian, more than 100,000 people are expected to join the Block Everything actions, which organizers hope will paralyze transport, education, and public services.
CNN, quoting the country’s interior ministry, reported that 327 people had been detained, with 80,000 police deployed nationwide, including 6,000 in Paris. The education ministry said around 100 schools were disrupted and 27 were fully blockaded.
With barricades rising, buses in flames, and chants of “Macron resign” echoing across cities, France faces one of its most volatile waves of unrest since the Yellow Vest era—one that threatens to derail Macron’s budget plans and his new prime minister before he has even begun.
Previously, in September 2024, thousands of people across France took to the streets to protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint 73-year-old Michel Barnier, a centre-right politician, as Prime Minister.
