(London, UK) – As the planned nationwide mobilization for September 10th approaches, organizers are finding it difficult to translate online enthusiasm into widespread, unified action. While calls to “block everything” – protesting austerity measures, government policies, and rising cost of living – are circulating vigorously across platforms like Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, they are hampered by conflicting agendas and tensions between various political groups.
Initial observations suggest the core group of mobilized individuals remains relatively contained. While channels established after the initial calls in mid-July have remained active, growth has been slow and participation fractured.
On Telegram and Signal, areas where a significant portion of the organizational effort is concentrating, a degree of structure is visible. Hundreds of city, county, and regional channels buzz with activity, coordinating logistics like leafletting, poster campaigns, and demonstrations. These groups share "action agendas," meeting announcements, and general discussions - often punctuated by debates over demands and methods.
However, this structure is also a source of friction. Disagreements over core principles and ultimate goals are commonplace. The ‘Block Everything’ ethos attracts a diverse coalition, ranging from seasoned environmental activists to anti-establishment protestors and those simply struggling with economic hardship. This varied base means uniting under a single banner is proving challenging.
"We're seeing a lot of energy in these online spaces, but converting that into coordinated action on the ground is proving difficult," explains Anya Sharma, a researcher at the Centre for Digital Activism. "The lack of a centralized leadership, coupled with deeply rooted ideological differences, is hindering the potential scale of the mobilization."
Content analysis of online discussions reveals a clear split between those advocating for peaceful protest and civil disobedience, and those who favour more disruptive tactics. Furthermore, the rise of misinformation and attempts to discredit the movement by both far-right and state-sponsored actors are exacerbating the problem, muddying the message and sowing distrust.
The success of the September 10th mobilization will likely depend on whether these disparate groups can overcome their internal divisions and present a unified front. Currently, the digital tide appears to be rising, but whether it will translate into a wave of widespread action remains to be seen.