France “Block Everything” Protests Spark 675 Arrests

(MENAFN) France saw 675 arrests nationwide during the September 10 “Block Everything” protests, with 280 detainees in the Paris region alone, media reported Thursday.

The Interior Ministry confirmed that 549 of these arrests resulted in police custody following overnight disturbances between Wednesday and Thursday.

Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez detailed that new arrests occurred after clashes in the capital, especially at Place des Fêtes.

“This morning we have 280 arrests, including a large number of people in police custody,” Nunez told media, adding that 164 remained held as of Thursday morning.

Nunez labeled the protest movement “a failure,” emphasizing that despite “numerous, numerous attempts,” no significant blockades succeeded.

He highlighted about 10 unsuccessful attempts to block the Paris ring road, a failed bid to storm Gare du Nord railway station, and isolated disruptions at high schools and bus depots.

Senate President Gerard Larcher echoed the assessment, calling the mobilization “a failure” in comments to media outlets.

Smaller demonstrations persisted Thursday, including attempts to block traffic in Nantes and at Sciences Po university in Paris, where police stepped in to reopen access.

Nunez pledged that authorities would maintain “the same determination, the same vigilance, the same doctrine” to prevent future blockades in the coming days and weeks.

Unions have already announced a new nationwide protest for September 18, with a march planned in Paris. The police have yet to approve the proposed final route.

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