The Latest Breaking News from Emmanuel Macron

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

Sébastien Lecornu appointment comes amid protests across France including 1,000 demonstrators trying to enter Gare du Nord station in Paris

Members of the ‘Block Everything’ movement said they considered the political system was no longer fit for purpose

Nearly 300 people were arrested in France on Wednesday as “Block Everything” demonstrations disrupted transport and public services in cities across the country, authorities said. The unrest coincided with the inauguration of Sébastien Lecornu, the country’s fifth prime minister in under two years.

More than 100 arrests in Paris as protesters try to disrupt key transport links including the Eurostar hub at Gare du Nord

Over the past year, French President Emmanuel Macron has emerged as one of the most influential leaders on the global stage.

Sebastien Lecornu, 39, is facing an uphill battle over budget as protests loom in the coming days.

Lecornu was already tipped for the position last year and will succeed François Bayrou who was ousted after losing a confidence vote in parliament on Monday.

IN FULL

A longtime Macron loyalist, Lecornu is now France's fourth prime minister in barely a year

Editorial: The French president has seen four prime ministers come and go in three years. The rancorous stasis of his second term is a gift to Marine Le Pen