France Sees Unrest as Lecornu Becomes Prime Minister
Protest Eruptions Across France
France witnessed widespread protests on Wednesday as citizens voiced anger toward the political establishment.
Demonstrators blocked roads, lit fires, and clashed with police in several cities. Officers responded with tear gas.
Heavy Police Deployment and Arrests
The Interior Ministry reported 473 arrests. Officials deployed 80,000 police nationwide, including 6,000 officers in Paris.
The Education Ministry confirmed 100 schools were disrupted. Twenty-seven schools faced complete blockades during the unrest.
A Trial by Fire for Lecornu
The protests coincided with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s first day in office. He was appointed Tuesday by President Macron.
Lecornu, formerly defense minister, replaced François Bayrou. Bayrou lost a parliamentary confidence vote over his deficit plan.
Critics argue Macron’s appointment of a loyalist ignited tensions, framing Lecornu’s debut as a political trial by fire.
Movement Grows Ahead of September Strike
In Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes, and Caen, activists blocked major ring roads. Police dispersed crowds but disruptions continued.
In Paris, protesters gathered at Gare du Nord station. Officers contained about 150 demonstrators chanting anti-police slogans.
Incidents included a ransacked bus set ablaze in Rennes and a Paris restaurant torched in the 1st arrondissement.
The “Block Everything” movement, born online in May, fueled much of the unrest. Left-wing groups now lead the campaign.
Unions plan a larger nationwide strike on September 18. Organizers expect heavy turnout across multiple sectors.
Protesters vowed to continue their movement until leaders address economic fairness and expand representation in government.
