France deploys 80,000 police for “September 10” protests. A leaderless “horizontal movement” plans to block roads, refineries, and train stations, demanding social and economic justice.
Table of Contents
France Braces for “Blocue Total” as Leaderless Protests Threaten Nationwide Disruption
French authorities are on high alert, deploying a massive security force to counter a decentralized, leaderless protest movement dubbed “blocage total” or “let’s block everything.” Scheduled for September 10, the action is proving difficult for officials to anticipate, promising widespread but unpredictable disruption across the country.
A New Form of Protest: A “Horizontal Movement”
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has announced the deployment of 80,000 police officers to maintain order. The government has stated it “won’t tolerate any violence or illegal blockades.” The challenge for authorities is the protest’s structure: a “horizontal movement” without clear leaders, organized through online rallying cries. This makes its scale and specific targets harder to predict than a traditional, union-led strike.
Planned Actions and Expected Disruption
Protesters aim to impede access to key infrastructure and symbolic locations. Planned actions include:
- Blocking roads, refineries, and train stations.
- “Abstaining from using bank cards” as a form of economic protest.
- Various “surprise acts” designed to cause maximum disruption.
While some labor unions are holding general assemblies, most major unions are waiting for a separate, organized joint protest on September 18th. The September 10th action is seen as a more organic, grassroots mobilization.
Transport Sector Prepares for Impact
Despite the movement’s unpredictable nature, key sectors are already preparing for significant disruptions:
- Aviation: The French aviation authority has asked airlines to cut flights by 50% from airports in Nice and Corsica.
- Rail Travel: National rail operator SNCF has warned passengers to expect major disruptions, particularly on intercity lines.
- Paris Public Transport: The RATP stated that subway and bus lines in the Paris region are expected to run normally, suggesting the capital may be less affected than other areas.
The Protesters’ Motivation: “Enough is Enough”
For those supporting the “blocage total,” the action is a desperate plea for the political system to listen to growing social and economic grievances. Protesters cite vast income inequality, hunger, and the need for climate action and social justice as their driving forces.
One supporter captured the sentiment: “It’s exaggerating to say we’ll break everything, but we will block things so that the political system reacts… Some salaries are 10 times higher than the little workers earning €1,500 a month. Enough is enough. We have to share for there to be a public service, for social justice, for the climate.”
This sense of urgency and a belief that “something different is happening” underscores a deep-seated frustration that is fueling this unconventional and potentially widespread day of action.
- South Park Episode Under Fire After Assassination of Charlie Kirk
- Emmys 2025 Recap: ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ Win Big as Newcomers
- Mike Tyson Kicks Mr. Beast at Charity Gala: Eyewitnesses Detail Shocking Altercation
- The Complete Winners List for the 77th Emmy Awards (2025)
- ‘The Pitt’ and ‘Severance’ Dominate a Night of Thrilling Upsets at the 77th Emmy Awards
- NFL Week 2 Live: Joe Burrow Injured, Cowboys Rally Against Giants in Hectic Early Slate
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 2 Game Day Preview
