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Despite an order not to enter Paris, motorists protesting
against COVID-19 restrictions are converging on the French
capitals from multiple cities across France, inspired by the
horn-blaring demonstrations taking place in Canada.
The French "Freedom Convoy" protests, however, show signs of
uniting a disparate group against President Emmanuel Macron two
months out from April's presidential election, with remnants of
the 2018/2019 anti-government "Yellow Vest" movement and some
far-right politicians rallying behind the motorists.
"We've been going around in circles for three years. We saw the
Canadians and said to ourselves, 'It's awesome, what they're
doing.' In eight days, boom, something was sparked," said
pensioner Jean-Marie Azais, headed to Paris from the southwest.
The motorists' protest follows waves of demonstrations over
France's vaccine pass rules -- which require people to show
proof of inoculation against COVID to enter bars, restaurants,
cinemas and other public spaces.
Whereas in Canada the protests have united truckers angered by a
vaccine mandate for crossing borders, in France it is everyday
folk angry over COVID restrictions who are taking to their
vehicles.
In Toulouse, a convoy of vans, motorhomes and cars departed from
a parking lot on Thursday, waved off by a crowd wearing the
high-visibility vests that defined the "yellow vest"
demonstrations.
The different convoys are expected to arrive outside Paris later
on Friday. Their numbers are unclear. In the central city of Le
Mans, one meeting point was deserted on Friday.
The police deployment will include rapid-response officers on
motorcycles and heavy-lifting equipment to dismantle any
makeshift roadblocks put up by the protesters.
Some supporters of the "Freedom Convoys" said the protesters
should not be deterred by the police order to stay remain
outside Paris city limits.
"The authorities cannot block everyone," said one woman cheering
on the motorists in Toulouse. "The convoys must force it, they
must still try to enter."
The "Yellow Vest" revolt shook Macron's presidency over several
months and revealed a deep-seated anger felt outside big cities
at the high cost of living and an urban elite perceived as
disconnected from the daily hardships of regular folk.
With spiralling energy prices and a strong economic rebound
driving inflation higher, households are again feeling a squeeze
on budgets, prompting the government to take piecemeal measures
to curb voter frustration.
(Reporting by Richard Lough in Paris and Alex Minguez in
Toulouse; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Alison Williams)
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