The mood is tense in France, following today’s riots as part of citizen protests responding to the online call to “Block it all” (Bloquon tout).

According to the French interior ministry, more than 175,000 citizens joined the protests, and there were traffic stoppages, street fights, bin fires and clashes. Citizens expressed their anger against Emmanuel Macron, the political establishment and planned cuts with the “September 10 Movement” marches. More than 80,000 police were also deployed in the country, removing the barricades.

Over 473 arrests were made during the protests, including 203 in Paris, and six minors. Of those arrested, 339 were taken into custody, with the number in Paris reaching 106. Sources tell French media that the situation is tense in Rennes, Nantes and Paris.

“Go Macron”

Under the slogan “Go Macron”, protesters proceeded with demonstrations and blockades. In Châtelet in Paris, security forces prevented protesters from moving forward, while the mobilization extended to surrounding areas.

The police prevented the protesters from stopping the demonstration and the protesters were also prevented from moving around the city.

The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into damage by fire to a restaurant in the area and to the facade of a building above the shop. Presumably, the fire broke out accidentally and is related to the intervention of security forces.

Protesters have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies, with many comparing it to the Yellow Vests and especially the cuts included in the budget of deposed Prime Minister François Bayrou.

Tear gas and barricades

In Paris, police earlier fired tear gas at youths blocking the entrance to a high school and firefighters removed burnt objects from a barricade.

Police said a group of about 1,000 protesters were prevented from entering the city’s Gare du Nord train station.

In Rennes, protesters burned a bus. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau argued that the protests could be hijacked by far-left groups and end in violent clashes.