Day: 28 August 2025

A new grassroots movement, ‘Bloquons tout’ (‘Let’s block everything’), is calling for a nationwide shutdown across France on 10th September 2025 in response to budget cuts announced by Prime Minister François Bayrou.

The movement appeared online in July, shortly after Bayrou unveiled austerity measures. Its central message is stark: “On 10th September we’re not paying, we’re not consuming, and we’re not working.”

The movement’s origins remain murky. A collective called Les Essentiels, linked to far-right and conspiracy circles, first circulated the date of 10th September in a TikTok video, which was quickly amplified by former figures of the Yellow Vests. Since then, activity has spread across Facebook, Telegram (where the group has more than 7,000 subscribers), and a website dedicated to the cause. Local meetings of a dozen or so supporters have also begun taking place.

From the streets to politics

The slogan has resonated with thousands online, and some former Yellow Vest protesters say they will take part. One supporter, quoted by RFI, described plans to block supermarkets and petrol stations, reminiscent of the 2018–2019 protests.

In France’s political landscape, the movement has exposed clear divisions. Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed party has openly supported the initiative, calling on supporters to ensure its success. The Greens, led by Marine Tondelier, have also signalled involvement, though she cautioned against political parties “co-opting the struggle.” The Communist and Socialist parties have expressed solidarity, while the far-right National Rally has dismissed the mobilisation as the work of the far left.

Trade unions remain cautious

Despite early September already being marked by calls for strike action from several unions, there is no confirmation yet that organised labour will formally back Bloquons tout on 10th September.

For now, the government has limited its response to stressing that it remains attentive to public concerns. The movement itself insists it is “apolitical”, though its roots and support base suggest otherwise.

Why it matters

For France—and by extension its neighbours such as Monaco—the scale of mobilisation on 10th September will be closely watched. With calls to “block everything” spreading online, the day could see anything from scattered demonstrations to nationwide disruption. What is certain is that Bayrou’s budget cuts have reignited discontent across the political spectrum, and the anniversary of the Yellow Vests looms large in many minds.

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Photo credit: Pierre Vorpuni, Unsplash

After a sold-out debut in May, Mama Goes Dancing is back for its second edition on Thursday 18th September at Neptune Beach Monaco. From 7 pm to midnight, women of all ages are invited to dance, unwind, and celebrate under the stars.

Launched in Germany, the Mama Goes Dancing movement has spread across France and found an enthusiastic audience in Monaco earlier this year, when more than 150 women joined the inaugural edition. The idea is simple yet powerful: an evening exclusively for women, designed to celebrate diversity, joy, and freedom.

As the organisers explain, it is about “reconnecting with oneself, dancing, and sharing joyful moments with other women—all in the early evening to ensure a fresh start the next day”. And importantly, it’s not just for mothers: all women are welcome.

A beach party atmosphere

For the September edition, the event goes into ‘Beach Party’ mode on the terrace of Neptune Beach, overlooking Larvotto. Expect a lively dance floor with DJ Karlota, a Glitter Bar by Elora, a photobooth by Photobooth Monaco, and plenty of surprises to keep the evening vibrant.

The programme is refreshingly simple: chat, dance, sip cocktails, enjoy tapas, and repeat until midnight. Dinner will also be available at Neptune by reservation.

Practical information

• Date: Thursday 18th September 2025

• Time: 7 pm – midnight

• Location: Neptune Beach Monaco, Plage du Larvotto

• Tickets: €15 (member rate) / €20 (non-member rate), including one drink

• Reservations: hello@entreparents.mc (limited availability)

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Photo provided

On Wednesday 3rd September 2025, the Principality will mark the 81st anniversary of its Liberation with a solemn remembrance ceremony at the Monaco Cemetery.

The commemoration will begin at 4:30pm, with wreaths laid at the Monument aux Morts as well as on the graves of René Borghini and Joseph Lajoux, two Monegasque heroes of the Resistance. The service will continue with prayers for the dead and for peace, a minute of silence, the sounding of the bugle, and the performance of the national anthems.

The music will be provided by the Municipal Music Ensemble, under the direction of Pierre Proust, lending solemnity to this annual act of remembrance.

An invitation to participate

The Mayor of Monaco, Georges Marsan, has extended an invitation to patriotic societies wishing to associate themselves with the ceremony. Those interested are asked to contact the Protocol Office of the Mairie at protocole@mairie.mc.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

An early morning fire broke out on Wednesday at a waste sorting and recovery facility in Nice operated by Sud Est Assainissement (part of the Veolia group). The blaze, which affected 500 m² of the site, has since been brought under control.

The fire began at the centre on the Route du Parc d’Activités and quickly spread through a stockpile of bulky non-hazardous waste, including wood, cardboard and plastics. Around 150 m³ of material was affected.

The incident mobilised 15 fire engines and 40 firefighters from the Alpes-Maritimes fire service (SDIS06), who secured the site and ensured that staff were evacuated safely. No injuries were reported. The Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes has thanked the emergency teams for their swift and effective intervention.

Air quality remains stable

The regional air quality observatory Atmosud, approved by the Ministry of the Environment, confirmed that no increase in air pollutants had been detected at its monitoring stations in Nice during or after the incident.

Investigation underway

An investigation has been launched by state services to establish the cause of the fire and to determine what corrective measures will need to be put in place by the operator.

Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling through the area while clean-up operations continue.

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Photo credit: sdis06