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.
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Two people were killed and around 40 injured when a tram derailed in central Milan on Friday (27 February), a spokesperson for the local fire service said.
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