New PM Sebastien Lecornu faces ‘baptism by fire’ as protests spread nationwide
Mass unrest has gripped France just a day after President Emmanuel Macron appointed Sebastien Lecornu as the country’s new prime minister. Demonstrations under the “Block Everything” movement swept across Paris on Wednesday, with growing calls for Macron to resign.
Lecornu, 39, a close Macron ally, became France’s fifth prime minister in less than two years following the ouster of François Bayrou. His appointment is already being tested amid fierce political instability and street violence.
Riots and Unrest Spread Nationwide
The “Bloquons Tout” (“Block Everything”) movement brought Paris to a standstill as protestors blocked roads, torched garbage, and set fire to a bus. Videos on social media showed clashes with riot police and dumpsters hurled into the streets.
According to France’s interior ministry, at least 200 people have been arrested. A damaged railway power line further disrupted transport.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau denounced the protests, accusing demonstrators of fostering “a climate of insurrection.” He said 80,000 security forces had been deployed nationwide, including 6,000 in Paris alone.
Macron Faces Renewed Calls to Step Down
Protesters argue Macron’s decision to appoint his loyalist Lecornu as prime minister is a “slap in the face” to citizens demanding change.
“It’s the same sh**, it’s the same problem. Macron is the issue, not the ministers,” a CGT union representative for Paris transport told Reuters.
Since his 2022 re-election, Macron has faced persistent demands to resign. Wednesday’s protests echoed previous waves of unrest:
- 2023: Nationwide riots after 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk was killed by police.
- 2023: Mass protests against pension reforms, drawing over 1 million participants.
- 2024: Farmers’ strikes over low food prices, reduced fuel subsidies, and EU trade deals.
Despite mounting dissent, Macron has insisted he will not resign, dismissing opposition leaders as “power-hungry” and “irresponsible.”
