Thousands of people have taken to the streets in response to proposed budget cuts, raising fears that Wednesday could mark the start of a new period of social unrest in France.

Protesters at times clashed with police in a bid to "Block Everything" in anger at the political class and planned budget cuts.

"Block everything" is the rallying call for a protest movement in France that is expected to cause chaos and disruption for thousands of travellers on Wednesday 10.View on euronews

Paris: Protesters blocked roads, set blazes and were met with volleys of police tear gas on Wednesday in Paris and elsewhere in France, seeking to heap pressure on President Emmanuel Macron

Benoit Vasselin has no problem saying he will take part in France's "Block Everything" protests this week. But he won't specify what he and fellow protesters will do when they pitch up outside a trade union HQ in the northern town of Lille early on Wednesday morning.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 200,000 people demonstrated across France but labour unions put the figure at more than 250,000. View on euronews

The 'Block Everything' movement could count up to 100,000 participants, with strong turnout expected in left-wing and radical left strongholds such as the Nantes, Rennes and Lyon regions.