France is once again facing political turmoil as the 'Block Everything' movement mobilises tens of thousands of protesters, disrupting railway hubs, universities, schools, and government offices.
The origins of the current movement lie in the recent initiatives of entrepreneur Julien Marissiaux, who came out with a radical program in May: popular control over foreign debt, economic restructuring, and the resignation of President Macron.
At the time, his project seemed utopian, but unexpectedly, left and radical left forces joined him. Former activists of the 'Yellow Vests', 'red' trade unions, 'Young Communists' and Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party 'France Unbowed' seized the initiative and made the movement their instrument.
The movement gained momentum on social media platforms such as TikTok, Telegram, and X, with more than 338,000 related tweets posted in August alone. A survey by Toluna-Harris Interactive indicated that 63% of French citizens support the movement.
Initially informal, the protests later received backing from various political and social groups and major trade unions such as CGT and Solidaires. Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for a general strike but clarified he was not managing the movement.
The Interior Ministry deployed 80,000 police and gendarmes nationwide on Wednesday, anticipating 100,000 participants, but authorities reported around 200,000 people attended, while the trade union claimed 250,000 participants.
Key demonstrations took place in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes, and Strasbourg.
Protesters blocked 262 roads, held more than 550 actions nationwide, and in the southwest, disrupted railway operations by cutting power lines. Schools were affected, with lessons delayed or cancelled in 27 institutions.
'Block Everything' is likened to the 2018 Yellow Vests movement for its focus on social injustice and road blockades, but mainly involves left-leaning, politically experienced activists, with only 27% having joined the Yellow Vests, showing clear ideological differences.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 Se...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told ...
Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest contract chipmaker, is investing $2 billion to build a new fabrication plant in Wuxi, China as p...
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 September.
From mounting concerns over record global debt levels to growing tensions over China's trade surplus and Russia's return to the negotiating table, this year's G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, highlighted the challenges confronting the global economy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected claims that Moroccan authorities orchestrated July’s deadly mass border crossing into Ceuta, saying Spain has found no evidence that Rabat planned or carried out the incident.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service, PET, has warned that Russia is actively preparing sabotage operations against targets in the country, with defence companies supporting Ukraine seen as a particular focus.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The latest escalation between the United States and Iran is being fought not only on the ground and at sea, but increasingly in the skies above the Gulf where a missile launch or intercepted drone can force an aircraft thousands of metres above the region to change course.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment