Paris, September 11, 2025 – France has been rocked by massive demonstrations under the banner of the “Block Everything” movement, as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets on September 10, shutting down roads, blocking transportation, and clashing with police in a dramatic show of defiance against President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
The unrest, which erupted in major cities including Paris, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes, and Bordeaux, was fueled by growing anger over the government’s proposed €44 billion austerity cuts and broader frustration with political elites. Protesters ignited barricades, staged sit-ins, and disrupted transport networks across the country, creating nationwide chaos.
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| France ‘Block Everything’ Protests |
A Nation on Edge
Authorities deployed nearly 80,000 police officers nationwide to control the demonstrations. Violent clashes were reported in several cities, with riot police using tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges to disperse crowds.
In Rennes, protesters set a bus on fire, while in Paris, barricades blocked key intersections and train services were disrupted.
Road blockades and work stoppages caused major transport paralysis, stranding thousands of commuters.
The protests coincided with a political shake-up at the top: the dismissal of the former prime minister and the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as the new head of government on the same day. Analysts say the unrest marks a turbulent start for Lecornu, who faces a wave of resistance before even settling into office.
Who Is Behind “Block Everything”?
The “Block Everything” movement began online in May 2025, initially mobilized by right-wing factions. However, it has since grown into a broad coalition of leftist groups, trade unions, far-left activists, and disillusioned citizens, united by their anger over austerity, inequality, and corruption.
Slogans like “Macron Démission” (“Macron Resign”) echoed across France, reflecting widespread discontent with the president’s leadership. Protesters accuse Macron’s administration of sacrificing public welfare for fiscal discipline while ordinary people struggle with rising living costs.
Government’s Response
The Macron government defended the austerity plan, arguing that reducing the budget deficit was necessary to meet EU fiscal rules and stabilize France’s economy. But the scale of the backlash has raised fears of a repeat of the Yellow Vest movement of 2018, when weeks of unrest forced policy concessions.
New Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu urged calm, calling for “dialogue, not violence,” but his appeals were drowned out by escalating street anger.
What’s Next?
Unions have announced a nationwide general strike for September 18, 2025, expected to paralyze public services, transportation, and schools. With the protests already turning violent and momentum growing online, the movement poses one of the most serious challenges to Macron’s presidency since the pension reform battles.
Observers warn that the “Block Everything” movement is not merely about austerity—it reflects a deep crisis of trust between the French people and political leadership, and could shape the country’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections.
FAQs
Q1. What is the “Block Everything” movement in France?
The “Block Everything” movement is a nationwide protest campaign launched in September 2025 against President Emmanuel Macron’s government. It began online in May and quickly spread to the streets, uniting unions, leftist and far-left groups, and citizens angry over austerity measures, inequality, and political leadership.
Q2. Why are people protesting in France in September 2025?
Protesters are mainly opposing the government’s proposed €44 billion austerity budget cuts. They argue these measures will worsen inequality, reduce social support, and harm ordinary citizens, while political elites remain insulated.
Q3. Where are the protests happening?
The protests erupted nationwide, with major demonstrations in Paris, Rennes, Montpellier, Nantes, and Bordeaux. Road blockades, barricades, and transport disruptions have been reported across multiple regions.
Q4. How many people have been arrested or injured?
French authorities have arrested over 450 protesters as of September 10, 2025. Clashes with police have led to numerous injuries, although official casualty numbers have not been fully released.
Q5. What was the government’s response?
President Macron’s administration deployed 80,000 police officers nationwide and used tear gas, water cannons, and other measures to disperse demonstrators. Newly appointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for dialogue, though unrest continues to escalate.
Q6. How do these protests compare to the Yellow Vest movement?
Like the 2018 Yellow Vest protests, the “Block Everything” movement reflects widespread public anger over inequality, economic hardship, and political distrust. Many analysts see it as a potential repeat of that crisis, with the capacity to pressure the government into policy concessions.
Q7. What happens next?
Unions have announced a general strike on September 18, 2025, expected to paralyze transport, schools, and public services across France. The protests could continue to grow unless the government makes concessions.
