With just one quarter left in 2025, the countries across the globe are battling domestic unrest and volatility – economic, political and social. This time, EU (European Union’s) second-largest economy, France finds itself in yet another period of political and social upheaval.
The appointment of Sebastien Lecornu as France’s new prime minister has triggered nationwide protests, marking what many are calling his appointment as ‘baptism by fire.’ The unrest comes amid growing frustration with incumbent President Emmanuel Macron, who is under renewed pressure to resign following days of violent demonstrations.
Block Everything Movement
On September 10, the streets of Paris turned chaotic as the “Bloquons Tout” (Block Everything) movement staged mass demonstrations. Protesters blocked major roads, set a bus ablaze, and clashed with police in scenes that quickly spread beyond the capital. According to the Interior Ministry, nearly 300 people were arrested, with hundreds more detained in smaller cities across the country.
The protests, largely driven by left-wing unions and youth groups, have been fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction with Macron’s government. Demonstrators torched garbage bins, hurled objects at police, and disrupted public transport, leading authorities to deploy a massive security presence.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, accusing protest leaders of attempting to create ‘a climate of insurrection‘. He confirmed that around 80,000 security forces had been mobilized nationwide, including 6,000 in Paris alone, to restore order.
Macron Under Growing Pressure
The anger is not just directed at Lecornu, but also at President Macron himself. Many demonstrators argue that naming Lecornu, a loyal ally, as prime minister shows Macron’s refusal to embrace change. Since his re-election in 2022, Macron has been repeatedly urged to resign, with his presidency marked by constant waves of unrest. The latest protests echo earlier calls for his departure, showing how deeply the distrust toward his leadership runs.
A History of Unrest Under Emmanuel Macron
This is not the first time Macron’s government has been rocked by public anger:
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2023 Riots: France erupted after the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, sparking violent clashes across multiple cities.
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Pension Reform Protests: Controversial pension reforms pushed through by Macron led to mass demonstrations, with over one million participants nationwide.
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2024 Farmer Protests: Farmers staged widespread strikes against low food prices, cuts to diesel subsidies, and an EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
Despite these repeated uprisings, Macron has consistently refused to step down. He recently lashed out at the opposition, accusing them of being irresponsible and power-hungry.
Economic Impact and Broader Grievances
The ongoing instability has begun to shake France’s economy. Government bond yields have risen, reflecting increased borrowing costs, while major French bank stocks—BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, and Societe Generale—plunged between 8–10% last week.
The ‘Block Everything’ movement, amplified on social media, is not just about political appointments. Protesters are also voicing deeper frustrations over poverty and inequality, which France’s statistics bureau says have risen sharply in recent years. Many citizens blame Macron’s budget-tightening measures, once championed by former prime minister François Bayrou, for worsening everyday hardships.
France at a Crossroads
As Lecornu assumes office, the stakes are high for both him and Macron. France’s fifth prime minister in less than two years faces an uphill battle to restore stability, while Macron confronts some of the strongest demands yet for his resignation. With discontent mounting and protests intensifying, France stands at a political crossroad, uncertain of what the next months will bring – either stability or exacerbate the situation further.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
