Block Everything on September 10: Mass Mobilization in France and Clashes in Paris

Several hundred initiatives took place across France on Wednesday, September 10, as part of the “Block Everything September 10 protest”, launched in mid-July on social networks.

The movement brings together activists from various backgrounds — former Yellow Vests, supporters of political parties such as LFI, and CGT union members — and had set this date as a nationwide day of action. Initially cautious, the CGT had feared “far-right infiltration” before eventually calling for a strike.

Mélenchon and the Left Hail the Success

Jean-Luc Mélenchon described the mobilization as a “success.” On his blog, the leader of La France insoumise praised a mode of action “less routine, monotonous, and controllable than traditional union marches.” He highlighted the “self-organization” of participants and the “countless local initiatives” that, according to him, reflect a “citizen revolution in motion.”

The CGT also described the day as successful in a statement released Wednesday.

Incidents in Paris

The day was marked by a fire at a brasserie in the Les Halles district of Paris, amid clashes between protesters and police forces. A thick column of smoke rose from the building façade before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.

According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, it may have been an accidental fire linked to police interventions in “dense and particularly hostile” crowds.

Exceptional Security Measures

Resigning Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau deployed an unprecedented security operation: around 80,000 police officers and gendarmes, supported by thirty helicopters, drones, water cannons, and armored vehicles.

Highways, ring roads, train stations, universities, hospitals, factories, refineries, and nuclear power plants… in total, nearly 600 actions were recorded by the ministry.

Day’s Overview

In a situation update at 5:45 p.m., the Interior Ministry reported that “175,000 participants were counted in France as part of the ‘Block Everything September 10 protest’.” During the day, authorities recorded 812 actions, including 550 rallies and 262 blockades nationwide.

The ministry also reported 473 arrests, including 203 in Paris, and 13 police officers slightly injured.

The CGT claimed 250,000 participants and called for another day of mobilization on September 18.

At the end of an interministerial crisis meeting, Bruno Retailleau stated that “the blockers did not block France,” while acknowledging that some demonstrations remained active and that further actions could follow.

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Gabriel MIHAI

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