The BRICS TimesFollowing Nepal, France witnessed massive protests on Wednesday morning as the Block Everything movement blocked highways, severely disrupting traffic. Despite heavy police deployment, several cities were paralyzed, leading to hundreds of arrests nationwide.
Anger on French Streets After Nepal
After recent unrest in Nepal, anger has now exploded across France, where streets turned into a battleground against President Emmanuel Macron. A new movement called Block Everything brought highways across the country to a halt on Wednesday morning. Demonstrators shouted slogans, set fires, and caused large-scale disruption. Several buses were also torched as chaos spread in multiple regions.
Crisis Deepens Despite Security Deployment
Even with massive deployment of security forces, the situation worsened in Paris and other major cities. This rebellion comes at a fragile moment for French politics. Recently, the parliament voted against Prime Minister François Bayrou in a trust motion, forcing Macron to appoint Sébastien Lecornu as the fifth prime minister of his term. The unrest has only added pressure to the president’s already shaky political standing.
What is Block Everything?
Block Everything is far from an ordinary protest. The movement believes that the existing political system no longer serves the people. Initially launched by right-wing groups, it has now been overtaken by left-wing and far-left factions.
The protesters’ message is straightforward: “If the system does not work, stop the entire machinery of the nation.” Acting on this ideology, they blocked highways, cities, and transport networks across France. To maintain control, the government deployed 80,000 security personnel, with 6,000 stationed in Paris alone. French media estimates suggest nearly 100,000 people could participate in these demonstrations.
Echoes of the Yellow Vests Movement
According to a Reuters report, while Block Everything is new, it strongly echoes the 2018 Yellow Vest uprising. At that time, citizens protested against soaring fuel prices, and the demonstrations quickly evolved into a large-scale revolt against Macron’s policies. Today, the situation seems to mirror that unrest, with public anger again directed at the president’s leadership.
Roads Blocked and Mass Arrests
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that about 50 masked individuals attempted to block highways in Bordeaux. In Toulouse, a fire on a cable disrupted traffic, while in Paris, police confirmed the arrest of 75 protesters. Vinci, a major road operator, reported severe traffic disruptions in cities like Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, and Lyon. With roadways blocked and public transport paralyzed, France finds itself grappling with one of its most intense protests in years.
