VIDEO: France rocked by "Let's Block Everything" protests

Demonstrators from a newly formed movement disrupted traffic across France on Wednesday, sparking dozens of arrests as authorities mobilized security forces nationwide.

The "Bloquons tout" ("Let's block everything") protests, which spread online over the summer, have drawn comparisons to the 2018 “Yellow Vest” movement. While initially linked to right-wing groups, the movement has since gained traction among left- and far-left activists, united by frustration with what they describe as a failing political system.

The unrest comes at a tense political moment. Just two days earlier, France’s parliament passed a no-confidence vote against former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to appoint Sebastien Lecornu, his fifth prime minister in less than two years. France Unbowed, a far-left party, announced plans for another no-confidence motion, while the far-right National Rally signaled possible cooperation with the new government.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said about 50 masked protesters blocked roads in Bordeaux, while a cable fire in Toulouse briefly halted highway traffic before being contained. Incidents were also reported overnight in Paris, where police confirmed 75 arrests but gave no further details.

Highway operator Vinci reported disruptions in Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, and Lyon. To contain the unrest, the government deployed 80,000 security personnel nationwide, including 6,000 in Paris.

“We risk seeing mobilizations erupting across the entire country,” Retailleau warned, as authorities brace for further protests.