Amid a government crisis, mass protests are rocking France, with 80,000 police deployed to handle the “Block Everything” protests. So far this morning, the unrest is shaping up to be another blow to the French government, with buses being set on fire, major roads blocked, and protesters filmed battling with police in major cities.
After French President Emmanuel Macron appointed yet another prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, protests erupted across France overnight under the motto “Bloquons tout” (“Block everything”).
Among the footage coming out from France is a bus that was completely burned out on a major highway outside the city of Rennes. There are up to 50 different blockade actions reported across Paris, according to the French interior ministry.
🇫🇷🚨 JUST IN: Absolute chaos in France as far-left protesters hit locations across the country.
They have now set fire to a bus on the Rennes road ring.
80,000 police deployed in response to "Block Everything" protests.
This story is developing. pic.twitter.com/hT7hnVstyT
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 10, 2025At least 75 arrests have been reported in Paris during the morning hours, but this number is expected to balloon throughout the day.
Le Parisien reports that 1,000 demonstrators were seen in the early morning hours in Paris, but media reports indicate protests in Rennes, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille.
🇫🇷🔥BREAKING: Paris turns into a battlefield as violent individuals attack riot police protecting the Ministry of the Interior, next to the Hélène-Boucher high school.
Students are blockading the high school during a "Block Everything" day of action. pic.twitter.com/RtF7U0Lu9v
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 10, 2025Authorities have already seen acts of sabotage, and in major streets in Paris, protesters have set up barricades, with tensions growing between protesters and motorists.
Battles were recorded outside the Hélène-Boucher high school, where riot police attempted to impede students from blocking the school.
🇫🇷 BREAKING: Amid unrest, protesters have blocked key streets in Paris.
Tensions are now rising between protesters and motorists.
In other areas of Paris, crowds are battling with police on "Block Everything" day. pic.twitter.com/Vehqk9ge7j
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 10, 2025Among the protesters are left-wing groups, a number of key unions, and groups associated with the Yellow Vests, indicating a broad swath of society is backing the move.
The protests are in response to the austerity budget proposal put forward by former Prime Minister François Bayrou, who lost a vote of confidence after his proposal, which subsequently brought down the center-right minority government. Macron himself is thought to be in a precarious position, and many analysts expect him to lose power in the coming months.
🇫🇷 Police hunt protesters after violent clashes outside the Hélène-Boucher high school in Paris.
Mass protests have broken out in France on the "Block Everything" day of action.
Groups demand an end to austerity after the French government collapsed. pic.twitter.com/5OPm1tTnPt
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 10, 2025Lecornu is not likely to face an easier situation than his predecessor and is expected to attempt to push through austerity to combat France’s exploding debt levels. His chances of success remain slim, which could spark a major crisis not just for France but for the entire eurozone.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has responded to the protests by announcing the mobilization of 80,000 officers. They have already arrested many protesters seeking to shut down highways outside major French cities.
However, railway unions announced strike actions, and French airports are expected to be shut down for the day, as unions seek to apply pressure to the French government. Universities, high schools, and companies are all expected to see strike actions and potential unrest.
