Bloquons tout (English: "Block everything" or Let's block everything[1]) is a protest movement in France that emerged on social media in mid-2025. The movement called for a general strike and nationwide shutdown on 10 September 2025, to oppose the austerity measures proposed by the government of Prime Minister François Bayrou.[2] Continued actions after 10 September 2025 were organised, as the movement prepared for the strike announced by main French trade unions for 18 September 2025.[3][4]
The movement arose in response to the Bayrou government's proposed 2026 budget (disclosed on 15 July), which aimed to cut €43.8 billion from public spending. The budget included controversial measures such as the removal of two national holidays, a freeze on pensions, and significant cuts to healthcare.[2] The slogan "Boycott, disobedience and solidarity" (Boycott, désobéissance et solidarité) began circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook, coalescing around the hashtags #10septembre2025 and #10septembre.[2]
Commentators have noted both similarities and differences between Bloquons tout and the earlier Yellow Vests movement. While both are grassroots movements that originated on social media, a study by sociologist Antoine Bristielle found that Bloquons tout supporters are generally younger, more aligned with the political left, and more focused on collective interests and environmental concerns.[5] The two dozen organizers of the movement, called Les Essentiels (the Essentials)[1] had described themselves as "apolitical" and unconnected to the trade unions.[6]
Actions
The movement's core goal was a total shutdown of the country on 10 September 2025. Supporters were encouraged to avoid work, shopping at large retailers, keep children at home and engage in “peaceful occupation of symbolic locations”.[2][6] In France, hundreds of various actions against government policy took place, including roadblocks and blockades, but, thanks to the previous measures taken by the French Interior Ministry, led by Bruno Retailleau, in preparation for the movement, the first day of mobilization did not see a total paralysis, previously feared.[7] In terms of methods and organisation, the movement has been compared to the Yellow vests movement of 2018, while in terms of political support, the Bloquons tout protests are left-leaning, differently from the largely apolitical yellow vest mobilisations.[8] According to the French political scientist Antoine Bristielle, movements organised from social media (like the yellow vests or bloquons tout) aren't comparable to those supported by the main French trade unions, which usually mobilise greater numbers.[9]
The results of the mobilization are a matter of debate.[10] On the 12 September 2025, it was considered a strong possibility that the movement will continue, at least until the strike announced by French unions on September 18, 2025.[4] Actions were continued and groups did not stop meeting, ensuring that the movement lasts.[3] On the 18 September 2025, strikes were more important than on the 10th,[11] as nine out of ten drugstores were closed and record strikes were recorded in middle and high schools.[12] An important amount of French high schools were additionally blocked by students, and the Parisian metro network (RATP) was disrupted on multiple lines.[13]
Reactions
The Bloquons tout movement has drawn support from various left-wing political figures, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon of La France Insoumise.[2] However, major trade unions were initially hesitant to officially endorse the 10 September action, although they shared many of the movement's concerns about the proposed budget.[2]
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