September 11, 2025 | 10:17 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The French riot police finally clashed with protesters in Paris. The demonstrators took to the streets in response to the call to "Block Everything." The demonstrations in France were held out of dissatisfaction with the government.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Paris, the French capital, and other cities, including Marseille and Montpellier. They responded to the online campaign "Bloquons Tout," which urged people to strike, block roads, and other public services.
Sky News reported that the government had deployed more than 80,000 officers to quell the unrest. So far, 200 people have been arrested nationwide, according to police. The demonstrations broke out on the same day the new prime minister was sworn in.
Protesters were seen rolling trash cans into the middle of the road to stop cars, while police rushed to remove makeshift blockades as quickly as possible. Tear gas was used by police outside Paris' Gare du Nord train station, where about 1,000 people had gathered. Police held signs declaring Wednesday a public holiday.
Other residents in the city blocked the entrance to a high school where firefighters were forced to remove burning objects from the barricades.
Elsewhere in France, traffic disruptions occurred on major roads in Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, and Lyon.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters that a group of protesters had set fire to a bus in the Breton city of Rennes.
Causes of the Demonstrations in France
The "Block Everything" protests come amid rising national debt and are similar to the Yellow Vest movement that erupted over tax hikes during President Emmanuel Macron's first term. "Bloquons tout" was first spearheaded online by far-right groups in May but has since been embraced by left-wing and far-left groups, experts say.
On Monday, former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou lost a no-confidence motion. He was replaced by Sebastien Lecornu at the Matignon Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, becoming the fourth person to hold the post in just 12 months.
A teacher, Christophe Lalande, who took part in the protests in Paris, told reporters at the scene, "Bayrou has been overthrown, (now) his policies must be abolished."
Elsewhere, trade unionist Amar Lagha said that today was a message to all workers in France. "There is no surrender, the struggle continues, and the message to this government is that we will not back down, and if we have to die, we will die standing," he said.
Editor's Choice: France: Macron Taps Lecornu as New Prime Minister
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Nepal Airport Reopens After Protests Closure
2 jam lalu
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, was temporarily closed following increased demonstrations in the capital.
British Public Calls for Arrest of Israeli President on London Arrival
10 jam lalu
Thousands of people gathered in London to protest the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog and demand his immediate arrest upon arrival in the UK.
TAUD Urges Prabowo to Dismiss Indonesian Police Chief over Protest Handling
13 jam lalu
The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) demands President Prabowo Subianto to dismiss National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo due to procedural errors in handling the demonstrations.
Today's Top 3 News: Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Bali's Denpasar and Jembrana
13 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
27 Arrested as Nepal's Gen Z Protests Escalate into Violence
15 jam lalu
Nepalese Army arrests 27 people involved in looting, arson, and vandalism in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur amidst Gen Z protests.
Advocacy Group Records 23 Cases of Violence Against Journalists in August Protests
15 jam lalu
A total of 23 cases of violence against journalists occurred in various regions of Indonesia during the August 2025 demonstrations, with the highest number of cases reported in Jambi.
Nepal Unrest: How Indonesian Gov't Ensures the Safety of Its Citizens
15 jam lalu
Dozens of Indonesian citizens are currently in Nepal, including 23 tourists. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed the latest condition of Indonesian citizens in Nepal.
10 Most Beautiful Fall Destinations Around the World
16 jam lalu
From the serene temples of Kyoto to the golden hills of Tuscany, the most beautiful fall destinations promise unforgettable travel experiences.
Komnas HAM Holds Talks with Indonesian Police Chief on Detained Protesters
16 jam lalu
Komnas HAM has requested the police to release non-rioting protesters and provide access to legal assistance for the suspects.
Former Miss Nepal Faces Backlash from Gen Z
17 jam lalu
Shrinkhala Khatiwada, former Miss Nepal, has become the focus of public outrage for being deemed a Nepo Kid, or the offspring of a public figure.
