Protests, blockades persist across France following “Block Everything" rallies

France continues to see protests and blockades a day after the “Block Everything” movement mobilized nearly 200,000 people, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Demonstrators across multiple cities have maintained their actions, with authorities closely monitoring and intervening in several locations.

In Nantes, around 20 protesters gathered early on September 11 at Place Rosa-Parks to set up a blockade. Tensions escalated when riot police (CRS) attempted identity checks, prompting officers to use batons against some demonstrators, Caliber.Az writes, citing the reports by BFMTV journalists.

Police warned that gatherings were prohibited and blocked access to the streets.

Authorities also intervened to prevent a second attempt to block the Lactalis site in Loire-Atlantique. The action was ultimately called off after discussions between gendarmes and protesters. Demonstrators in Nantes plan another rally on September 13, beginning at 2 p.m.

In Paris, students joined the movement, temporarily blocking access to several institutions. Around 60 students from Sciences Po Paris occupied the school entrance from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., before police cleared the area, according to Police Chief Laurent Nuñez on CNews-Europe 1. Students also blocked access to the Grands Moulins campus of Paris Cité University.

Smaller protests continued in other regions, including Isère, where about 50 people attempted to block multiple points in Saint-Martin-d’Hères.

Attention is now turning to September 18, when France’s inter-union has called for nationwide demonstrations, strikes, and blockades, suggesting the ongoing unrest could escalate further.

By Sabina Mammadli