Paris on Edge: Nationwide ‘Block Everything’ Movement Threatens Major Disruption

Unprecedented Social Unrest Grips French Capital

September 10, 2025 is shaping up to be a black day in the Paris region, with a nationwide protest movement against the Bayrou government’s measures. The movement promises to paralyze the roads in the Paris region, with blockades announced on the Paris ring road, railway stations and main freeways.

Scale of Protests and Security Response

Punch operations, blockades and sabotage threaten train stations, airports and the Paris ring road. In response, 80,000 police officers and gendarmes have been mobilized to handle the ‘Block everything’ movement.

The September 10, 2025 strike aims to protest the Bayrou government’s austerity measures, particularly the 44 billion euros in budget savings announced. This large-scale mobilization, organized via social networks by the ‘Bloquons tout’ collective, could be reminiscent in scale of the Gilets Jaunes mobilizations, according to observers. Unlike traditional trade union movements, this one is not union-led.

Widespread Impact Across Sectors

Two days of airport strikes mark the start of the new school year in September 2025. Travelers will face major disruptions on September 10 and 18 in the Paris region and throughout France, with flight cancellations scheduled at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly following mobilizations against government austerity measures.

The nationwide mobilization challenges the 43.8 billion euros in savings announced by the Bayrou government, including the abolition of two public holidays and various austerity measures.

Political Context and Leadership Change

In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed defence chief Sébastien Lecornu as his new Prime Minister, following François Bayrou’s removal from office. The 39-year-old’s immediate priority will be to try and forge consensus on a new budget, before forming a government.