Fifth PM in Two Years Fuels French Streets of Anger

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Paris
• Sep 11, 2025
• 607

More than 100,000 protesters took to the streets across France on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron and opposing the government’s budget cuts. The demonstrations, organized under the banner “Block Everything” by leftist parties and grassroots groups, quickly escalated into violence. In Rennes, a bus was torched, while train services in the southwest were disrupted after a damaged power line.

The French government has deployed 80,000 police personnel nationwide, with over 200 arrests already made. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused the demonstrators of attempting to create an “atmosphere of rebellion.”

The unrest comes just as Sebastien Lecornu is set to take office as France’s fifth Prime Minister in less than two years, following the resignation of François Bayrou after a no-confidence vote.

Key Reasons Behind the Protests

1. Macron’s Policies – Widely viewed as pro-elite and against the interests of ordinary citizens.

2. Budget Cuts & Economic Reforms – Reduction in welfare schemes and public expenditure, hurting the middle and working classes.

3. Political Instability – Five prime ministers in two years has fueled public frustration and mistrust in governance.

4. “Block Everything” Movement – A coordinated push by left-wing parties to paralyze the country and pressure the government.

 

The protests highlight growing discontent in France, where political instability and economic strain are converging into a volatile situation.