Large-scale protests in France with dozens arrested

Protesters staged demonstrations across France on Wednesday, disrupting traffic, burning rubbish bins and at times clashing with police in a bid to “Block Everything” in anger at the political class and planned budget cuts, Reuters writes.

The “Block Everything” movement reflects popular discontent with what protesters deem a dysfunctional ruling elite preaching a painful gospel of austerity.

It is drawing comparisons to the 2018 “Yellow Vest” protests, which initially arose over fuel price hikes but morphed into a broader movement against Macron and his plans for economic reform.

The “Block Everything” movement sprung up online in May among right-wing groups, researchers and officials said, but has since been taken over by the left and far-left. The participants in the protest declared that the political system no longer serves their goals.

The demonstrations come amid political instability in France: two days ago, parliament voted no confidence in Prime Minister François Bayrou, and Macron appointed his fifth prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu. The left-wing France Unbowed party is planning to file a motion of no confidence, while the far-right National Rally has said it is ready to work with Lecornu for now.

According to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, 75 people have been arrested in Paris.

He said 80,000 security forces had been deployed throughout the country, including 6,000 in Paris. French media had reported that 100,000 people were expected to take part in the demonstrations.

The minister warned that the protests could spread throughout the country.