Protests | Protests in France: The first warning

The "Block Everything" mobilizations spread like wildfire on Wednesday of this week—from dawn throughout the day and across the country. September 10th had been set as the date in the protest calendar weeks earlier. This day of action was important and was used to express people's opinions.

Like so many sparks and flames that fan the flames of social anger, these hundreds of more or less spontaneous demonstrations testified to widespread discontent. They expressed a massive rejection of austerity measures and social injustice that further impoverish the weakest and ensure even greater prosperity for the richest. But they also—and above all—are a stark warning directly addressed to the head of state of the Republic.

President Emmanuel Macron, however, is turning a deaf ear and acting with his trademark arrogance. Yes, the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister on the eve of the day of protest was another affront, another blow to democracy. Yes, the Élysée Palace is once again disregarding the election results (the left-wing alliance New Popular Front won the most seats in the 2024 parliamentary election – ed.). But this strategy of ignorance and disregard for democracy has backfired: On Wednesday, the demonstrators targeted Macronism as a whole.

It was a strange contrast on Wednesday: On one hand, on the steps of the Matignon (the seat of government), the sober, subdued atmosphere of a farcical transfer of power; at the same time, and just a few streets away, the unrestrained repression of a social movement. That is the other lesson of this day. The man who has to leave Place Beauvau (the Ministry of the Interior) after the government's resignation had previously deliberately chosen violence against peaceful demonstrators and even had tear gas used in front of schools just as classes were starting. Devastating images of a power at its wit's end.

Let's hope that this September 10th marks the beginning of a new phase. There are already signs that the righteous anger will not abate. Trade unions have already called for demonstrations across France on September 18th. And this weekend, the Fête de l'Humanité will be what it always has been: a powerful sounding board for hopes for a more just world.

This text was published on September 10 in our partner publication "L'Humanité" (France). Marion d'Allard's article, translated using AI programs, has been edited and shortened.