Mass protests sweep France as new prime minister takes office
More than 170,000 people took to the streets of French cities on Wednesday, protesting against government plans to cut social benefits in 2026. Demonstrations were held in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Rennes, according to the Ministry of the Interior, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
Authorities reported that 13 police officers were injured in clashes, while more than 260 cases of arson were registered nationwide, including burning barricades. Protesters blocked highways and railways, threw garbage at police, and set fire to property. In Paris, the facade of a restaurant caught fire, while attempts at sabotage targeted railway infrastructure. The SNCF company reported delays in regional traffic and the cancellation of about one-third of trains between Paris airports.
Interior Minister Bruno Retaillo stated that stern measures would be taken against “troublemakers,” noting that 80,000 police officers were deployed nationwide, including 6,000 in the capital. By the evening, more than 470 people had been detained. In Paris alone, nearly 200 arrests were made, with riot police periodically using teargas to disperse crowds.
The movement, known online as “Block Everything!”, had circulated on social media since May. Initially linked to right-wing groups, it was later joined by left-wing and far-left activists. Protesters voiced anger not only against austerity but also against President Emmanuel Macron and the political elite.
Earlier this week, thousands of mainly young people in Nepal took to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities in mass protests against the government’s decision to ban major social media platforms.