Riot police clash with 'Block Everything' protesters in Paris

Riot police have clashed with protesters in Paris after they took to the streets in response to calls to 'Block Everything' over discontent with the French government.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of the French capital and other cities, including Marseille and Montpellier, in response to the online 'Bloquons Tout' campaign, which is urging people to strike, block roads, and other public services.

The government has deployed more than 80,000 officers to respond to the unrest, which comes on the same day the new prime minister is being sworn in.

Demonstrators were seen rolling bins into the middle of roads to stop cars, while police rushed to remove the makeshift blockades as quickly as possible.

Protesters block the streets in Paris on Wednesday. Pic: AP
Image: Protesters block the streets in Paris on Wednesday. Pic: AP
A policeman amid smoke on the streets of Paris on Wednesday. Pic: AP
Image: A policeman amid smoke on the streets of Paris on Wednesday. Pic: AP

Tear gas was seen outside Paris's Gare du Nord train station, as protesters clutched signs declaring Wednesday a public holiday.

More than 200 people have been arrested across the country, according to police.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters a group of protesters had torched a bus in the Breton city of Rennes.

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Image: A policeman amid smoke on the streets of Paris on Wednesday. Pic: AP
Protesters hold a sign that reads: '10 September Public Holiday!!' in Paris. Pic: Reuters
Image: Protesters hold a sign that reads: '10 September Public Holiday!!' in Paris. Pic: Reuters
A protester in Montpellier waves a lit flare. Pic: Reuters
Image: A protester in Montpellier waves a lit flare. Pic: Reuters
'Block Everything' protesters outside Paris's Gare du Nord on Wednesday. Pic: Reuters
Image: 'Block Everything' protesters outside Paris's Gare du Nord on Wednesday. Pic: Reuters
Riot police approach 'Block Everything' protesters in Marseille. Pic: AP
Image: Riot police approach 'Block Everything' protesters in Marseille. Pic: AP

On Monday, Francois Bayrou lost a vote of no confidence and was replaced by Sebastien Lecornu, who is set to become the fourth prime minister installed by President Emmanuel Macron in 12 months.

The 'Block Everything' rallies come amid spiralling national debt and are similar to the Yellow Vest movement that broke out over tax increases during the president's first term.

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