France is currently reeling under nationwide protests fueled by public anger towards President Emmanuel Macron and his government. Demonstrators on Wednesday clashed with the Police, blocked roads, and set blazes in major cities, including Paris.
With France’s new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, taking office on September 10, the country witnessed a day of protests, leading to over 200 arrests. In a show of grassroots anger against Macron, disruptions are expected across transport, education, and other services. The political unrest stems from political instability and austerity measures. The Unions and activists in France are demanding change.
Videos circulating online show thousands of protesters taking to the streets with the banner of the ‘Block Everything’ movement to paralyze France. As protestors set barricades on Fire in the capital, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse them. A bus was also reportedly torched in Rennes. Meanwhile, train services were halted following damage to a power line in the southwest.
Despite this, furious protesters staged demonstrations across major cities. On the other hand, to prevent a large-scale disorder in the country, Macron had deployed about 80,000 police officers
What Triggered The Protests?
The protests were sparked by days of political upheaval after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote in parliament on Monday. This forced him and his government to resign after facing defeat. President Macron on Tuesday swiftly named Lecornu, his loyal defence minister, as France’s New Prime Minister.
The formal handover of power between Lecornu and Bayrou was due to take place on Wednesday. The rapid changes gave rise to political instability, fueled by public anger. According to Reuters, the disruption had already started early today. Unions and protest organisers accused Macron of ignoring widespread discontent. They also argued that François Bayrou’s fall did not change their grudges.
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