France "Block Everything" Protests Spur 83 Arrests

(MENAFN) At least 83 people have been detained across France as the "Block Everything" movement gained momentum on Wednesday, media reports. The protests, aimed at disrupting daily life in opposition to the government's national budget plan, saw 75 arrests in Paris and eight others in cities nationwide, according to the latest police updates.

More than 1,000 protesters have been involved in numerous demonstrations throughout the country, with at least 30 separate gatherings taking place. In Marseille, several hundred demonstrators clashed with authorities, while in Lyon, up to 300 individuals participated, knocking over trash cans and blocking traffic. High school students have also joined the movement, with several schools in Paris reported to be blockaded.

The movement, which began as a grassroots call on social media, has garnered significant attention, with organizers estimating over 100,000 participants nationwide. The protest was originally launched by a small online group called "Les Essentiels," which declared, “On September 10, we stop everything, not to escape, to say no.”

Riding a wave of support from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, the protest aims to disrupt the government's budget plans put forward by outgoing Prime Minister François Bayrou. The protest's focus is on Bayrou’s proposed budget, which includes austerity measures aimed at saving €44 billion ($51 billion) to reduce France’s growing national debt, currently at 113% of the country’s GDP.

While the protests intensify, union groups have called for another day of mobilization on September 18 in further opposition to the budget proposals.

The political climate in France has become increasingly volatile, as Bayrou recently lost a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. Bayrou, who presented the 2026 budget framework in July, had sought political backing for his plan to cut France’s budget deficit, which currently stands at 5.8% of GDP—one of the highest in the European Union.

Following his dismissal, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Sébastien Lecornu, the Armed Forces Minister, as the country’s new prime minister. Lecornu is now tasked with consulting political factions to form a new government.

The ongoing budget dispute has led to significant political instability in France. Last year, the failure to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December after left-wing and far-right factions united to pass a no-confidence motion.

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