Nearly 500 Arrested Amidst Widespread 'Block Everything' Protests Across France

Paris, France – Nationwide "Block Everything" protests swept across France on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, leading to nearly 500 arrests as demonstrators clashed with police and disrupted public order. The protests, fueled by widespread discontent over President Emmanuel Macron's government and proposed budget cuts, saw blockades, burning barricades, and scuffles in multiple cities. Authorities deployed over 80,000 security personnel to manage the unrest.

The movement, initially gaining traction among right-wing groups, has since been embraced by various left and far-left factions, reflecting a broad opposition to austerity measures. Protesters expressed anger at what they perceive as a dysfunctional ruling elite and the impact of planned spending cuts, including a proposed 44 billion euro reduction. Youth and students were noted among the ranks of demonstrators in cities like Paris and Nantes.

Amidst the widespread demonstrations, a specific claim emerged from Aurillac, a town in central France. According to a tweet from the social media account Visegrád 24, "French far-left extremists brought children with them to their nationwide 'Block Everything' riots on Wednesday." The tweet further alleged that in Aurillac, these groups "taught the children how to riot by telling them to throw 'foam cobblestones' at local businesses," concluding with the assertion, "Communist indoctrination of children starts early."

Local authorities and mainstream news outlets have not yet issued official statements or corroborating reports regarding these specific allegations from Aurillac. While youth participation in the broader protests has been observed, the detailed incident involving children throwing "foam cobblestones" remains unconfirmed by official sources.

The "Block Everything" movement, characterized by its grassroots organization and reliance on social media, echoes the "Yellow Vest" rebellion of 2018-2019. The current wave of protests follows a no-confidence vote that led to the collapse of the previous government, highlighting the ongoing political instability and public frustration with economic policies in France. Demonstrations are expected to continue, with a major union-led strike anticipated on September 18.