France Erupts into Chaos as New Prime Minister Takes Office Amid Widespread Protests

France Hit by Protests as New Prime Minister Takes Office Protesters took to the streets across France on Wednesday, blocking roads, setting bins ablaze, and disrupting access to infrastructure and schools in a show of anger against proposed budget cuts and the political class. The demonstrations coincided with the swearing-in of new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who was appointed after his predecessor, François Bayrou, lost a no-confidence vote earlier this week. According to outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, around 250 people had been arrested by mid-morning, with most of the arrests made in or around Paris. "The situation is under control," Retailleau said. "We are working to ensure public safety and maintain order." Several thousand protesters gathered in major cities including Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Montpellier, with some attempting to enter government buildings and clash with police outside Gare du Nord train station in the capital. Bloquons Tout ("Let's Block Everything"), a grassroots movement behind the protests, called for a nationwide day of action against proposed budget cuts and what they see as the government's failure to address social and economic issues. "We're not just protesting against the government; we're also demanding change," said a spokesperson for Bloquons Tout. The protests have been largely peaceful, but some incidents of vandalism and property damage have been reported. A bus was torched in Rennes, and electric cables near Toulouse were sabotaged, according to Retailleau. Lecornu's appointment has been met with skepticism by some critics who argue that he lacks experience and is too close to the previous government. "We need a new direction for France," said Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party. "The current government has failed to address our country's problems." In response to the protests, Lecornu vowed to engage with protesters and listen to their concerns. "I understand that people are frustrated, and I'm committed to finding solutions to the issues they're facing," he said. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities have warned of potential disruptions to transportation and public services in affected areas. The protests are expected to continue throughout the day, with Bloquons Tout planning further action in the coming days. Background: France has been plagued by social unrest and economic woes in recent years, including high unemployment rates and a struggling pension system. The proposed budget cuts have sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that they will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Additional perspectives: "The government needs to listen to the people and take concrete steps to address our country's problems," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party. "We understand that people are frustrated, but we cannot condone violence and vandalism," said a spokesperson for the French government. Next developments: The protests are expected to continue throughout the day, with Bloquons Tout planning further action in the coming days. Lecornu's government will likely face intense scrutiny as it attempts to address the concerns of protesters and implement its policy agenda. *Reporting by Bbc.*