France: Riots and Arrests During Protests Against Government

In France, over 300 arrests were made during “Block Everything” protests that disrupted transportation and public services. The demonstrations coincided with the inauguration of Sébastien Lecornu.

Clashes erupted in several cities as police intervened to remove barricades. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported that 80,000 police officers were deployed nationwide with a zero-tolerance policy. In Paris, police ordered the closure of the Châtelet-Les Halles complex due to looting concerns.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon met with protesters at Place du Châtelet and Place de la République. A total of 430 protests were reported across France, including barricades and attempts to occupy schools.

Transportation services largely resumed, although regional trains and RER services experienced disruptions.