‘Block Everything’ Protests Spread Across France, Dozens Arrested

French police have arrested dozens of people after a protest movement known as “Block Everything” caused disruption across the country.

The movement, which grew on social media during the summer, has drawn comparisons to the 2018 “Yellow Vest” demonstrations. While those protests began over rising fuel prices, the new campaign is centered on frustration with President Emmanuel Macron and the political system as a whole. Analysts say it began among right-wing groups but has since been taken up by left-wing and far-left activists.

The unrest comes just days after parliament removed Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in a confidence vote. President Macron appointed Sebastien Lecornu as his successor, his fifth prime minister in less than two years. France Unbowed, the main far-left party, has already pledged a no-confidence motion against Lecornu, while the far-right National Rally has said it may work with him for now.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported that a group of 50 hooded protesters attempted to set up a blockade in Bordeaux, while a cable fire near Toulouse briefly disrupted transport links in southwestern France. He said that 80,000 security forces had been deployed nationwide, including 6,000 in Paris. French media had predicted participation of up to 100,000 people.

Authorities said 75 arrests were made in Paris but gave no further details. Protest actions and traffic disruptions were also reported in Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes and Lyon. In Montpellier, police used tear gas to disperse crowds, one of whom carried a banner reading “Macron resign.”

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