Nationwide protests disrupt France as ‘Bloquons Tout’ movement gains momentum

Wednesday 10 September 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Nationwide protests disrupt France as ‘Bloquons Tout’ movement gains momentum

France is facing widespread disruptions today as the “Bloquons Tout” (Let’s Block Everything) movement mobilizes thousands across the country. This grassroots protest, initiated on social media in May, calls for a nationwide shutdown to oppose government austerity policies.

By mid-morning, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported nearly 200 arrests, with 132 in the Paris region alone. Approximately 80,000 police and gendarmes have been deployed across France, including 6,000 stationed in Paris, to manage the demonstrations.

Transportation chaos and rail sabotage

The protest has severely impacted transportation services. The SNCF reported incidents of sabotage overnight, including damaged cables between Marmande and Agen, which disrupted rail traffic between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Similar damage near Toulouse interrupted service between Saint-Cyprien and Colomiers.

In Paris, metro and bus services remain largely operational, though the RER B line, serving Charles de Gaulle Airport and nearly one million daily passengers is running at reduced capacity. Other regional train lines, including RER and Transilien, are also affected.

Schools and roadways targeted

Demonstrators have blocked multiple educational institutions and major roadways. In Montpellier, three high schools were either fully or partially obstructed. In Rennes and Lille, protesters used garbage bins and barriers to disrupt access to schools, prompting authorities to intervene.

Road blockades have been reported near Rennes, Nantes, Poitiers, and Aix-en-Provence, as well as on the Toulouse beltway. In northern France, the A1 motorway near Lille was blocked early this morning. Agricultural union Confédération Paysanne joined the protests, using tractors to obstruct highways in locations such as Chambéry, Bourges, and Albi.

Political tensions and economic grievances

The protests stem from widespread opposition to Prime Minister François Bayrou’s financial reforms, which aim to cut €43.8 million from the national budget. Controversial measures include eliminating two national holidays, freezing pensions, and slashing €5 billion in healthcare funding.

The timing adds to the chaotic political climate, as Bayrou recently resigned from his position. His successor, Sébastien Lecornu, is set to take over amid mounting unrest. The protests come just days after Bayrou called for a parliamentary confidence vote, which had been scheduled for September 8.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau criticized the movement, claiming it has been “hijacked” by far-left groups and bolstered by unions and left-wing political parties. Despite this, the widespread participation highlights growing public dissatisfaction with government policies.