France Faces September Shutdown Amid Growing Political and Union Support
Social Media Movement Sparks Nationwide Momentum
French unions, protest groups, and political parties rally behind a social media campaign calling for a September 10 nationwide “shutdown.” The movement, branded Bloquons tout and mobilisation10septembre, protests Prime Minister François Bayrou’s July austerity policies, sparking widespread citizen-led action.
Decentralized and Anonymous Organisation
Bloquons tout’s leaders remain anonymous, emphasising grassroots action without political allegiance, while communications shift to Telegram and regional websites. French newspapers suggest September’s action may echo France’s gilets jaunes protests between 2018 and 2020, marked by decentralised mobilisation and anger.
Political Leaders Express Support
Jean-Luc Mélenchon of La France Insoumise strongly endorsed the shutdown, denouncing austerity as devastating and urging citizens to mobilise. Green MP Sandrine Rousseau pledged support, highlighting citizens’ survival struggles, while Socialist leader Olivier Faure and Communists confirmed their participation.
Unions remain divided, with CGT undecided, while Sud-Rail and student unions already plan strikes and blockades beginning September 10.
Additional disruption includes;
- Energy workers on September 2
- Taxi drivers September 5 and
- Pharmacists September 18 creating broader unrest nationwide.
Taxi Drivers Plan Separate Blockade
Cab unions plan nationwide protests September 5 against new transport reimbursement rules they say threaten livelihoods, revenue, and employment security. Taxi leaders warned they may blockade airports, train stations, and major routes, declaring readiness to escalate if demands remain ignored.