'Block Everything' protests sweep across France, scores arrested

A demonstrator kicks away a tear gas canister as people gather to block traffic at a roundabout at Pres d'Arenes in Montpellier, as part of a grassroots protest movement called "Bloquons Tout" ("Let's Block Everything") calling for nationwide all-day disruption, France, September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz

NANTES/PARIS (Reuters) - Protesters across France obstructed highways, burned barricades and clashed sporadically with police on Wednesday in a show of anger against President Emmanuel Macron, the political elite and planned spending cuts.

Authorities deployed more than 80,000 security personnel across the country, removing barriers and spraying water hoses at demonstrators as tensions flared in several places.