Video: Protests, fires, and clashes: France wakes up to unrest; what happened?

France experienced a day of violent unrest on Wednesday, September 10, after thousands of protesters took to the streets to express their opposition to the political class and, in particular, to President Emmanuel Macron .

What was initially interpreted as a pro-Palestinian protest ended up being a mobilization triggered by indignation following the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as the new minister , replacing François Bayrou, who was dismissed after losing a vote of confidence in Parliament.

According to international media outlet CNN , Macron appointed Lecornu , a former defense minister considered a close ally , which critics called "a baptism of fire" amid growing social tension over austerity measures and the 2026 budget plan .

During the early hours of the morning, activists launched disruptive actions in Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes, and Caen, blocking roads . The protests later escalated with vehicles and containers being set on fire in front of schools, as well as clashes with police, who responded with tear gas.

The French Interior Ministry reported that 295 people have been arrested so far and that 80,000 police officers have been deployed across the country, including 6,000 in Paris . The Education Ministry said around 100 schools were affected and 27 remained completely blocked .

The mobilization is led by the “ Block Everything” coalition ( OnBloquetout ), an informal group without defined leaders that emerged on social media in May of this year among right-wing sectors, but which currently also brings together left-wing and far-left organizations.

The focus of the protests is the rejection of the new budget , which the demonstrators describe as a "social coup." As they explained to CNN , they are not willing to use the deficit argument to dismantle the public system , without large companies and the wealthiest households assuming greater contributions.

Although authorities claim that Wednesday's protests were quickly brought under control , unions have already announced a national strike for September 18 , in which massive participation by workers from various sectors is expected.