New French PM faces massive protests - Lecornu takes office amid calls to block roads, airports
France's new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, is facing an immediate political and social crisis, as major protests have been announced across the country on his first day in office. The "Block Everything" movement, which is spreading on social media, has announced blockades of highways, train stations, airports and refineries in protest of new budget measures.
French authorities are on high alert. Paris police said there would be an "extraordinary" mobilization of around 80,000 security forces across the country on Wednesday.
The campaign began to gather momentum after outgoing Prime Minister François Bayrou announced in July a plan to cut France’s 2026 budget by 43.8 billion euros. His austerity plans were rejected by lawmakers, leading to the government’s downfall. Bayrou, a long-time centrist, argued that the measures were needed to curb excessive public spending. President Emmanuel Macron responded quickly by appointing Lecornu to fill the power vacuum at a time of heightened tension.
Sébastien Lecornu, a former minister of the armed forces and one of Macron's closest allies since coming to power, will be tested both in terms of authority and popularity. He is known as a discreet but effective figure, particularly for his role in strengthening France's military capabilities after the war in Ukraine.
In addition to managing Wednesday's protests, Lecornu must also resume budget talks in a paralyzed parliament without a majority. Meanwhile, French unions have warned of more strikes and wider protests next week. The French government is also investigating whether foreign actors are trying to further fuel the movement.
Polls show that 46% of French citizens support the protests, according to a recent poll by Ipsos. Sources from the Paris police said that the lack of a clear structure or leadership in the movement makes it particularly unpredictable. “It is not an ordinary protest. There are no organizers, we have no one to talk to, there are only calls to block everything. And what is more worrying is that these calls are being spread by left-wing extremist groups that incite violent acts,” they said. Authorities fear that what will happen in these days could further ignite next week’s protests, warned by French unions.
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