Over 100,000 expected to join France’s ‘Block Everything’ protest

More than 100,000 people are expected to take part in France’s “Block Everything” movement on 10 September, broadcaster France Info reported on Thursday. Energy, transport, and defence sectors are likely to be the most affected.

The protest, which began on social media, urges citizens to “block everything” on 10 September in opposition to Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s national budget plan. The movement has gained momentum with support from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party and originated from a small online group called “Les Essentiels”, which stated:

“On 10 September, we stop everything, not to escape, but to say no.”

Meanwhile, French trade unions have called for a nationwide mobilisation on 18 September to protest Bayrou’s budget proposals.

Rising political tensions

France is experiencing mounting political tensions as Bayrou prepares for a crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly on 8 September. In July, he unveiled a 2026 budget framework aimed at saving nearly €44 billion ($51 billion) to reduce the country’s soaring public debt, which currently stands at 113% of GDP. France also faces one of the EU’s largest budget deficits at 5.8%.

Warning that the country is “on the brink of over-indebtedness,” Bayrou urged lawmakers to choose “responsibility over chaos.” Opposition parties across the spectrum, from the far-left LFI to the far-right National Rally (RN), as well as the Socialists, have vowed to vote against the government.

Budget negotiations have long been a source of political tension. Last year, the failure to agree on the 2025 budget led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December, after left-wing and far-right parties joined forces behind a no-confidence motion.

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