Paris: France was gripped by widespread unrest on September 10, 2025, as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets under the banner of the “Block Everything” movement (Bloquons Tout). The protests, leaderless and largely organised through social media, were sparked by anger over Prime Minister François Bayrou’s deeply unpopular austerity budget, which proposed massive spending cuts and pension freezes.
Austerity measures spark discontent
The immediate trigger was Bayrou’s proposed 2026 state budget, which sought to slash around €43.8 billion, eliminate two public holidays, freeze pensions and reduce healthcare funding. Citizens from both working-class and middle-class backgrounds viewed the proposals as an attack on livelihoods. The plan united unlikely allies from across the political spectrum — from the left to the far right — in opposition.
Grassroots movement mobilises online
Unlike previous labour-led protests in France, this campaign grew organically online, through platforms like X, TikTok and Telegram. With no central leadership, protesters coordinated roadblocks, barricades, symbolic site occupations and calls for boycotts. Demonstrations spread across Paris, Rennes, Marseille, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse and Montpellier. Protesters burnt rubbish bins, blocked highways and disrupted transport in an effort to paralyse the country.
Police deployment and mass arrests
To contain the turmoil, the government deployed nearly 80,000 police officers nationwide, supported by drones and helicopters. Despite this heavy presence, clashes erupted in several cities. Close to 300 people were arrested as violent confrontations flared, particularly in Paris and other major urban centres.
Political instability deepens
The protests coincided with political turmoil, as Bayrou’s government lost a crucial confidence vote in parliament. President Emmanuel Macron responded by appointing Sébastien Lecornu as France’s new Prime Minister on September 9, the fourth in just over a year. The rapid turnover of leadership reflects the scale of France’s governance crisis.
Echoes of the Yellow Vest movement
Observers have compared the current unrest to the Yellow Vest protests of 2018–19, noting that both stem from frustration over economic inequality and distrust of political elites. The leaderless nature of the “Block Everything” campaign highlights the public’s alienation from traditional unions and parties, and the growing role of digital mobilisation in French politics.
Conclusion
The unrest illustrates a deeper crisis facing France, as economic discontent merges with political instability. Whether Lecornu’s appointment and potential budget revisions can calm the anger remains uncertain. For now, the “Block Everything” protests underscore a volatile period in French society, with the possibility of further demonstrations looming large.