Following recent demonstrations in Nepal, France has become the scene of escalating unrest. The ‘Block Everything’ movement, a new protest initiative, initiated a wave of actions on Wednesday morning, causing widespread disruption across the country. Highways were blocked, fires were set, and chaos unfolded on the streets. Several buses were also set ablaze.
Despite a significant deployment of security forces, the situation deteriorated in major cities, including the capital, Paris. This uprising comes at a time when French politics is already in a state of crisis. The Parliament recently voted down Prime Minister François Bayrou in a vote of no confidence, leading President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a fifth Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, during his term.
‘Block Everything’ is not a conventional protest. The movement is founded on the belief that the existing political system no longer serves the public’s interests. While it initially emerged from right-wing groups, it has now been adopted by left-wing and far-left factions.
The protesters’ core message is simple: if the system doesn’t work, shut down the country’s machinery. Consequently, they announced plans to cripple highways, cities, and the transportation system. This strategy is the origin of the name ‘Block Everything’. To manage the situation, the government has deployed 80,000 security personnel, with 6,000 stationed in Paris alone. French media estimates that approximately 100,000 people might be involved in these demonstrations.
The protests echo the sentiments of the 2018 ‘Yellow Vest’ movement. At that time, public anger over rising fuel prices led to widespread demonstrations, which gradually evolved into a broader movement against President Macron’s policies. The current situation appears to be following a similar pattern.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported an attempt by about 50 masked individuals to block a highway in Bordeaux. A fire at a cable in Toulouse disrupted traffic. Paris police confirmed the arrest of 75 protesters, while the Vinci company reported traffic disruptions in major cities like Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, and Lyon.
