The “Bloquons Tout” (Block Everything) movement has seen rioters flood the streets of Paris – setting fires, blocking streets and clashing with police as they call for President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation
Chaos erupted in Paris overnight as rioters flooded the streets, setting fires, blocking streets and clashing with police as part of an anti-government protest.
The “Bloquons Tout” (Block Everything) movement began as a grassroots online initiative, now backed by both far-left and far-right opponents calling for President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation. Protesters are furious over austerity measures, including public spending cuts and pension reforms aimed at saving €43.8 billion.
Tensions escalated after Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted and replaced by Sébastien Lecornu – the third leadership change in a year. President Macron, whose approval ratings sit at just 15%, appointed Sébastien Lecornu as PM on September 9, rejecting calls for new elections. He said: “To be free in this world, you have to be feared.”
The government has since deployed 80,000 officers nationwide to restore order amid the unrest, but protests have targeted key infrastructure and sparked violent clashes.
Paris has also witnessed disturbing acts of anti-Muslim sentiment in the thick of protests, which have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across France. At least nine pigs’ heads were found outside several mosques in the Paris region on Tuesday.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the “outrageous” acts, saying: “I want our Muslim compatriots to practise their faith in peace.”
