Public outrage at the French government’s measures to curb the spread of Covid, which some say is an attack on their freedom, has given the yellow vest protest movement new impetus, Reuters reports.
Last weekend, police estimated that 100,000 people joined the protests against the measures – some under the banner راي yellow jackets (Yellow jacket). Another round of protests is scheduled for this weekend.
An internal Interior Ministry report seen by Reuters described last week’s protests as “exceptional in their scale” and warned of the potential for more large protests.
Jerome Rodriguez, one of the most famous figures in the movement, Who lost his eye when he was hit by a shell At a protest two years ago, he said the recent protests had drawn in people other than yellow vest believers.
“I saw a lot of protesters for the first time,” said Rodriguez, who wears a prosthetic eye. “Health care workers, restaurateurs too, all kinds of people, children. If there is one thing that can unite people today, it is anger.”
yellow jackets Prominent figures of the movement, at the Yellow Vests protest in Paris on Wednesday. Photo: Sarah Messonnier/Reuters
Emmanuel Macron’s administration has submitted a controversial bill to Parliament Preventing people from entering restaurants and bars Without a “health permit” showing they have been vaccinated, have recently had a negative test or are immune to Covid-19. Opponents say the state is, de facto, forcing people to be stabbed.
Mohamed Boukifa, a 40-year-old baker, joined Rodriguez in a yellow vest protest against the health card in Paris on Wednesday. He said he has followed the yellow vests on social media but has not joined any demonstration yet.
“I’m not here because I’m against the vaccine,” he said. “I am here to defend our freedoms. We cannot be forced to vaccinate.” He said he didn’t get an injection because he was worried about possible side effects.
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