France Braces as New Prime Minister Takes Office Amid Protests

TDT | Manama

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France’s new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, is set to take office on Wednesday as widespread protests erupted across the country in opposition to President Emmanuel Macron. Clashes between demonstrators and police led to dozens of arrests.

The protests, organized by a loose left-wing group under the slogan "Block Everything," mark a challenging start for Lecornu, 39, who has been Macron’s close ally and defence minister for the past three years.

Authorities deployed around 80,000 police officers nationwide. In Paris, protesters built barricades from rubbish bins, blocked schools and roads, and threw garbage at police. In Lyon, demonstrators set bins on fire and blocked roads, while in Nantes, police used tear gas to disperse crowds.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of "zero tolerance" for violence. By mid-morning, nearly 200 people had been arrested, most in and around Paris.

In Marseille, police stopped about 200 protesters from blocking a main road. Florent, a demonstrator in Lyon, called Macron’s appointment of Lecornu a “slap in the face,” saying, “We need change.”

Macron appointed Lecornu on Tuesday, following the loss of confidence in parliament by his predecessor, François Bayrou, who had attempted austerity measures to reduce France’s debt. Lecornu is expected to officially assume office at midday (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday.