PARIS (AP) — French authorities are preparing for a potential escalation of unrest as tens of thousands of protesters are expected to respond to online calls for disruption across the country on Wednesday. This comes amid a significant political crisis in France, triggered by the government's collapse.
The movement known as “Bloquons Tout” (Block Everything) gained traction on social media and encrypted messaging platforms over the summer, particularly following the ouster of François Bayrou as prime minister during a parliamentary confidence vote on Monday. The planned day of protests, which includes blockades and strikes, coincides with President Emmanuel Macron’s search for a fourth prime minister in less than a year, highlighting ongoing instability within the European Union’s second-largest economy.
In a disturbing turn of events, the discovery of severed pigs' heads—five of which were inscribed with Macron's name—near nine Paris-area mosques on Tuesday has added to the tension, echoing patterns of previous suspected Russian-linked efforts to create unrest. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez noted that while investigations are ongoing, there are apparent links to prior acts that were deemed foreign interference.
Nunez described the placement of the pigs' heads—located near four mosques in Paris and five in its suburbs—as an act likely conducted by multiple individuals simultaneously. French authorities have categorized suspected Russian actions as part of a concerted strategy to sow discord, unrest, and misinformation within France and among its allies. Past incidents have included coffins placed near the Eiffel Tower, labeled “French soldiers of Ukraine,” and vandalism targeting a Holocaust memorial in Paris.
The “Block Everything” movement lacks clear leadership and promotes a diverse range of demands, many focused on the controversial budget cuts that Bayrou had advocated prior to his downfall, alongside broader concerns about inequality. Online calls for demonstrations and strikes have come with accompanying pleas for non-violence.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed uncertainty about the number of participants expected on Wednesday, cautioning that alongside peaceful protests, “there are other actions that could be far more intense—blockages, possible acts of sabotage, acts that could be far more violent.” Potential targets may include oil refineries, fuel stocks, train stations, and major roadways. He highlighted the presence of “small groups that aren’t very numerous but which are very determined, very organized, very, very seasoned and are looking for violence.”
In response to the anticipated unrest, a significant police presence is planned, with 80,000 police and gendarmes deployed to maintain order, supported by helicopters, drones, and armored vehicles. Paris transport authorities have indicated that Metro, train, and bus services are expected to operate mostly normally, though some lines may experience moderate disruptions. Aviation authorities have also warned of potential flight delays and disruptions.
The “Block Everything” initiative bears a resemblance to the earlier “Yellow Vest” movement, which initially emerged as a protest against rising fuel taxes and escalated into widespread demonstrations regarding economic inequality and dissatisfaction with Macron's leadership. Fédérico Tarragoni, a researcher of protest movements at the University of Caen in Normandy, noted that supporters of “Block Everything” view traditional protest marches as ineffective, prompting them to pursue more radical measures to capture Macron’s attention.
Tarragoni characterized the planned police deployment as “war-like,” anticipating road blockades and other disruptions that could complicate law enforcement efforts. He suggested that Wednesday’s protests would serve as a significant gauge of both Macron's popularity and the movement’s strength, emphasizing that while it “won’t be a riot” like the January 6 Capitol attack in the United States, it could still present substantial challenges for authorities.
