Protestors Disrupt Daily Life in France Leading to Almost 200 Arrests
Protests in France dubbed "Block Everything" led to over 200 arrests as demonstrators tried to bring the country to a standstill. The protests began after a government shake-up due to unpopular austerity measures that left the French Prime Minister's cabinet in ruins.
A massive deployment of 80,000 law enforcement officers was necessary to handle the thousands of protestors who set fires, built blockades and aimed to disrupt the busiest urban highway in Europe. By mid-morning, reports indicated 95 arrests in the capital city and eight elsewhere.
Protestors Attempt to Block Traffic and Entry Points
In eastern Paris, demonstrators set trash bins on fire and tried to block tram tracks. However, police swiftly removed the obstacles and dispersed the crowds. Protestors also attempted to disrupt highway traffic, but they were promptly stopped by law enforcement.
Increased tension was reported around one of Europe's busiest train stations, where hundreds of people gathered chanting for the resignation of the current President. Despite law enforcement closing access to the train station, protestors attempted to force entry. Police had to resort to tear gas to control the crowd, leading to chaos that also affected travelers.
The People's Voice
A student-actress named Marie expressed her frustration, saying "we are sick of it all". She urged the President to stop ignoring the people's needs and expressed her displeasure at the proposed cuts that would impact the culture sector.
A driver, who chose to remain anonymous, cleared away bicycles and trash cans used as barricades on the road. He expressed his support for the protestors, stating that he understood their anger and that change was necessary.
However, not everyone was in agreement with the methods of protest. Nesrine, a project manager, voiced her concern over the destruction and vandalism caused by the protestors. She maintained that she understood their anger, but did not believe that damaging property was the right way to express it.
Protests Sparked by Government Collapse
The protests, which were organized through social media and messaging apps without a central leader, were primarily a response to the collapse of the government and the appointment of a new Prime Minister. The outgoing Interior Minister warned that no blockade would be tolerated.
Understanding 'Block Everything'
The leaderless protest movement was fueled by frustrations over inflation, austerity measures, and a perceived dysfunctional political class. This movement, which surfaced this summer, has less structure than the 2018 Yellow Vests protests but has garnered significant online support.
Survey data shows that 46% of French people support the movement. This includes a broad base of support from both left-leaning voters and more than half of the far-right National Rally voters. Two major unions have backed the actions, while planning for larger strikes in the coming weeks.
Unrest Among Workers
Healthcare and pharmacy workers are also planning to protest the following week over cuts to medical reimbursements. Unions have warned that these cuts could lead to the closure of up to 6,000 of France's 20,000 pharmacies.
The previous government had proposed reducing bank holidays as a means to decrease the country's public deficit. This sparked anger amongst the populace, with some protestors demanding the President dissolve the National Assembly and call for immediate elections.
One university student named Thomas expressed his frustration, saying "It's time for Macron and politicians to understand we are serious. We're angry with the political system and the fact that the ultra-rich and corporations are not paying enough taxes."