Act XXIII: Yellow Vests demonstrate in Paris following end of nationwide debate
#YellowVest protesters call for a new #demonstration in #Paris on Saturday, April 20, the 23rd in a row since the movement has emerged in November 2018, after French President Emmanuel Macron announced hikes in fuel taxes to reportedly encourage a transition towards greener energy. Despite the French government suspending the tax hikes and announcing increases to the minimum wage, protests have continued.
This is the first time I have been able to watch an extended video of a GJ protest and I am glad of the opportunity. I am struck by the difference between the GJ and the EuroMaidan. This has far more a festival atmosphere, where instead of cotton candy and elephant ears the attendees enjoy a bit of tear gas. Instead of rides and rigged games, they have police to abuse verbally, and a tiny risk of arrest. Sometimes they get to bust some windows, paint graffiti, or light a fire. I saw several couples that seemed to be on dates (interesting date night), and more than one small child, or wheelchair bound elder. Other than the lack of young children, it really does have a festival air.
The adrenaline must nearly overwhelm some of them.
I am struck by the breadth of the demographic. These aren't just boomers angry at their shrinking fixed income, white supremacists pissed off about mass immigration - a good percentage of them appear to be of recent immigrant descent, judging from their skin color. Neither do I see a particular focus on ideology, with folks from the Black Bloc mingling with what appear to be skinheads, SJWs, and patriots.
Despite the occasional force and tear gas, I observed several conversations between protesters and cops that seemed fairly jovial, if not expressions of solidarity. I had read that the military had been authorized to open fire, but noted their complete absence from the scene. Perhaps I am poorly informed about how that has been prosecuted.
The French seem to be doing this differently than other demonstrations and protests I've seen. Mayday is coming. We'll soon see how the summer and traditional protest season cause things to evolve. One request I would make is to allow a bit more time to observe the statements written on vests, signs, and banners. My French is poor, and it is difficult to grasp the meaning without more than a fleeting glimpse. Signs and banners are easier to spot again than a particular vest, so IMHO the vests are the more important of the three.
Thanks very much for this informative stream!