France faced widespread disruption on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as thousands took to the streets in a coordinated day of protests under the slogan “Block Everything.” The demonstrations, organized by a coalition of citizens, former Yellow Vest activists, political parties, and unions, resulted in over 200 arrests and involved more than 4,000 protesters across the country.
The movement, which has been building for weeks, saw activists block highways, set fire to vehicles, and disrupt public transport in cities including Paris, Rennes, Toulouse, and Lyon. In one of the most dramatic incidents, a public bus was set ablaze on the ring road in Rennes. Firefighters struggled for hours to extinguish the flames.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed the scale of the protests, noting that 154 actions were recorded in gendarmerie zones alone. He warned that a second wave of demonstrations was expected later in the day. The protests are a response to economic measures proposed in July by then-Prime Minister François Bayrou, who has since resigned, and are broadly directed at the political establishment, including President Emmanuel Macron.
Transport networks were severely affected. National rail operator SNCF reported “malicious acts” overnight, including cable cutting between Bordeaux and Toulouse and near Colomiers, which halted train services. In Paris, traffic on the périphérique ring road was partially blocked at several points, and public transport saw significant disruptions.
Tensions flared between police and protesters in multiple locations. In Brest, CRS officers used tear gas to disperse crowds, while similar clashes were reported in Lyon and Nantes. Students also joined the movement, with several high schools and universities blockaded or closed for the day. At the University of Paul-Valéry in Montpellier, access was barred with urban furniture from early morning.
The decentralized nature of the protests, organized largely through social media without clear leadership, has drawn comparisons to the Yellow Vest movement of previous years. Over 600 actions were planned nationwide, targeting refineries, Amazon depots, and major roadways. Agriculture workers joined with tractors blocking roundabouts, while feminist groups held breakfast gatherings at key intersections.
Authorities had deployed 80,000 police and gendarmes in anticipation of the protests, reflecting concerns over the potential for prolonged unrest. The day’s events continue to unfold, with further demonstrations expected as the movement shows no sign of abating.
