By Tatiana Mouravieff-Apostol, Year 12
The « Gilet Jaunes » or Yellow Vest protest movement started in October in France.
Mobilized essentially through social networks, a good percentage of the French population ( about 20% in the recent polls), mainly from rural and small town areas, started their protests against an increase in fuel taxes due to start in January 2019, an increase announced by Mr Macron’s government as part of ecological reforms and measures for the revival of the French economy.
As days went by, the movement evolved into a mass rally against Mr Macron’s form of government, accusing him of being the “president of the rich” who had no time or empathy for the poorer people of the provinces who struggle to make ends meet at the end of each month.
In practice, these men and women of all ages ranging from 20 to 75 years old, decided to wear the yellow safety vests they are required to have in their cars, as a symbol of an automobilist’s plight when faced with fuel increases.
They then proceeded to block motorway accesses and petrol depots, creating havoc for drivers across the country. Their first large demonstration was Saturday November 1st.
Since then, nationwide protests were organized every Saturday.
On December 1st, in Paris, these degenerated into heavy confrontations with the police, with burnt vehicles on the Champs Elysées and over 400 arrests.
The big majority of the Yellow Vests is a peaceful group of people, but in the latest mass protest in Paris as well as in the country’s largest cities, their protests were hijacked by the Black Blocs and other gangs who were out to spread violence, break and set fire to what they could.
The Yellow Vests’ main concerns and demands are:
Immediate increase in minimum wages and pension benefits
Lowering financial burdens on low income families
Lowering fuel taxes
For some, a change in government
Reintroduction of the Wealth Tax on highest earners
This movement has earned huge public support, not only from other political parties but also from the French people.
Macron’s is due to address his nation at the beginning of the week, a much-awaited speech from a president accused of arrogance and lack of personal reactivity in the last two weeks.
His prime minister, Edouard Philippe, has spoken on a number of occasions since December 1st.
He announced the CANCELATION of the fuel tax and a freeze on increases for electricity and gas prices.
He has also repeatedly invited the Yellow Vests’ leaders or representatives to come and talk openly at the Elysée, an invitation which until now has been declined.
So far, the government’s compromises have not impressed the protesters, who allege these came too late and were not important enough.
The Yellow Vests have said they are not ready to back down, until ALL or at least MOST of their very concrete demands are met by Mr. Macron and his ministers.
