"Unions of resilience and camaraderie"

Soulevements de la Terre, a movement born as an eco-movement, has gained traction in France, rallying against projects like the construction of large water reservoirs for industrial agriculture and specific companies, such as France's largest cement producer, Lafarge.

Originating as a coalition of farmers, environmental groups, and climate activists in 2021, Soulevements de la Terre has grown to become a powerful voice against what it sees as the essence of capitalism: extractivism, or the exploitation of natural resources. The movement considers this exploitation as violence directed not only against the environment but also against the people who work in the extractive chain.

The movement's latest call to action, dubbed "Bloquons Tout" (Let's Block Everything), is an independent initiative that doesn't want to be labeled. The campaign, which gained momentum through social media, is now preparing for mobilization in many cities across France. In Nanterre alone, 500 people participated in a preparation meeting.

Soulevements de la Terre emphasizes class issues, particularly the conflict between small farmers and the agro-industry. The movement sees a connection between social inequality and environmental destruction, and it seeks to connect more closely with social struggles and become more anti-fascist. The movement believes that developing community and solidarity is key to countering right-wing extremist beliefs.

The announced austerity measures by the Bayrou government have led to further mobilization in France. However, with the government of Bayrou likely to fall next week, it remains to be seen how this will impact the movement's plans. The movement is also concerned about the potential rise of the extreme right and the increase in government repression.

Soulevements de la Terre advocates for civil disobedience, including the public destruction of facilities or machines. The movement aims to forge alliances and get rooted locally to create counter-power. As the movement continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how it influences the political and environmental landscape of France.