Supermarkets, banks, highways... On the eve of the September 10 blockade, the targeted sectors are on their guard

"It's still difficult to really know what awaits us..." On the eve of the "Block Everything" movement on September 10, there is uncertainty in the sectors targeted by calls for mobilization . "Free tolls" and "free shopping carts" operations, cash withdrawals, blockades of large retail depots... In various economic spheres, however, people are preparing to be targeted, given the leaflets distributed on social networks for several weeks.

On the motorway side, procedures are in place in the event of a blockage or open toll , the APRR-AREA network - which manages the A5 and A6 motorways in particular - tells Le Figaro : if this happens, "regular coordination points are scheduled between the prefectural authorities, the police, the interregional road directorates and the managers of the road and motorway networks, in order to take all necessary measures: diversions, awareness messages, information for transporters..." While recalling that "access to the motorways is prohibited to pedestrian traffic" , the motorway manager nevertheless explains that "only the services of the Prefecture have the authority to ensure the safety of demonstrators and users, as well as to decide on the implementation of diversions" .

Also read : September 10 blockade: automatic speed cameras, symbols of "state racketeering," prime targets of the protest movement

Also targeted by calls on social networks, large retailers have tried to deal with blockages upstream. "We have no particular fears but we have taken safety margins on our logistics and we are anticipating certain deliveries," says Carrefour, while the Les Mousquetaires group (Intermarché, Netto) also indicates that it has "suggested to stores to anticipate deliveries of products that could be anticipated." Some have thus ordered 10% to 15% of additional stocks to have reserves in case of supply difficulties, if the demonstrators were to block roads or logistics centers.

While some retailers also say they fear calls to leave with their shopping without paying, pointing out that "it's theft," they have not received any signs of planned actions. Nor, on the eve of the mobilization, have they noticed any precautionary purchases by consumers overstocking on products such as pasta or toilet paper - something seen during the Covid-19 pandemic in particular - worried about the disruptions expected in the coming days.

On the banking side, two major French institutions told Le Figaro , 24 hours before the protests, that they had not seen any massive or unusual withdrawals from ATMs. This is despite the fact that some protesters are calling for a month-long "bank card strike" starting September 10th and paying in cash, or withdrawing their savings from banks.