I don't know if they really "see" it, but they "feel" it for sure.
Do some French people see what's going on? Yellow Vest Protests
- Thread starter Chu
- Start date
I don't know if they really "see" it, but they "feel" it for sure.
Adaryn
The Living Force
Yes, indeed! My comment about 1789 was more "Oh-oh, things are heating up" than "Yipee! People are taking back the power". Though it's refreshing to see people waking up to "the terror of the situation" (because they're suffering - "feeling" it, as you say). I'm currently reading Jacques Bainville's Histoire de France, and the Revolution was sure a pretty mess (and indeed manufactured, as summed up in the Saker article you linked to). Douglas Reed also touches on the subjec in CoZ.
Though what we're seeing here is a spontaneous manifestation of people's anger at the elite represented by Macron, I'm afraid that without any knowledge or awareness of ponerology, the YV "movement" runs the risk of being coopted and subverted by less than savoury individuals or factions who don't necessarily have the people's best interests at heart. The PTB can't allow the rise of a genuine grassroots movement of people "taking power". Without unification around a common aim, disagreement and quarrels are bound to arise (it's already the case). Wait and see, I guess.
Exactly, and it happened so many times elsewhere too. I think Joe or Niall talked of it in a paper, that we can forget the illusion of a real revolution of the people. So, let's keep faith in above, and just do what we feel is right, and wait and see
Adaryn
The Living Force
Political commentator/philosopher Luc Ferry about the YV (29th November):
"The dissolution of the National Assembly is inevitable (…) In my whole life, I've never seen a movement gaining 84% of support. Never."
Journalist Serge July (30th November) commenting the meeting of a "delegation" of YV's with Prime minister Edouard Philippe. FYI, only 2 YV came to the meeting, and one of the 2 left after 5 minutes because he wanted the meeting to be videotaped but it was not allowed:
"Edouard Philippe is facing an unheard-of situation. Never in the history of the Vth Republic, a Prime minister set a meeting with a movement and nobody came."
Writer and polemicist Eric Zemmour (30th November):
People from outlying France/rural areas - as opposed to big city-dwellers - "are showing that they exist. Until now, their existence had been denied. The great bourgeoisie would have us believe that the poorest people are the migrants of the banlieues… The government doesn't understand anything about this movement, because they don't understand anything about the France that's here in front of their very eyes, a France that they've ignored, despised and scorned, because for them that France has been 'deleted' from History. For them, the lower classes are the banlieues/migrants. This is not true. The lower classes are the YV. The ruling elite has refused to see this, and now it's come back to bite it."
ADD: RT's live broadcast of today's protest in Paris: EN DIRECT — RT en Français - Already, the police is using undue force (the rally officially starts at 2 pm). The situation is very tense.
"The dissolution of the National Assembly is inevitable (…) In my whole life, I've never seen a movement gaining 84% of support. Never."
Journalist Serge July (30th November) commenting the meeting of a "delegation" of YV's with Prime minister Edouard Philippe. FYI, only 2 YV came to the meeting, and one of the 2 left after 5 minutes because he wanted the meeting to be videotaped but it was not allowed:
"Edouard Philippe is facing an unheard-of situation. Never in the history of the Vth Republic, a Prime minister set a meeting with a movement and nobody came."
Writer and polemicist Eric Zemmour (30th November):
People from outlying France/rural areas - as opposed to big city-dwellers - "are showing that they exist. Until now, their existence had been denied. The great bourgeoisie would have us believe that the poorest people are the migrants of the banlieues… The government doesn't understand anything about this movement, because they don't understand anything about the France that's here in front of their very eyes, a France that they've ignored, despised and scorned, because for them that France has been 'deleted' from History. For them, the lower classes are the banlieues/migrants. This is not true. The lower classes are the YV. The ruling elite has refused to see this, and now it's come back to bite it."
ADD: RT's live broadcast of today's protest in Paris: EN DIRECT — RT en Français - Already, the police is using undue force (the rally officially starts at 2 pm). The situation is very tense.
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This is what happen when you steal the election of an old country and don't even acknowledge it for yourself, or accept to play this role, so you go very far in the wishful thinking that you are the master and the others the slaves.
If you really want to be, you have to fully embrace the negative path and give yourself the means, ie going always far more deep in the repression.
France is certainly an experience, Macron masters trying to learn how far they can go. It's perhaps necessary to awake the French soul if it even exist and so the positive path can learn too. It would be interesting to know if a lot of Gaul souls who had battle against and then with Caesar are currently present at this nexus.
If you really want to be, you have to fully embrace the negative path and give yourself the means, ie going always far more deep in the repression.
France is certainly an experience, Macron masters trying to learn how far they can go. It's perhaps necessary to awake the French soul if it even exist and so the positive path can learn too. It would be interesting to know if a lot of Gaul souls who had battle against and then with Caesar are currently present at this nexus.
Yes and knowledge protect and it must be distributed.
To have an idea of the situation the gov is facing in Paris. Video of today:
Notice that this is located in a very short perimeter in the city but it's very intense. At 0:45 you can read "In parallel, more than a hundred yellow vests gathered in Place de la Bastille before being dispersed by the CRS 4".
I ask myself if the PTB did it in purpose or if it's just unconsciousness. Sure, if you club peaceful people you will calm down tensions
Notice that this is located in a very short perimeter in the city but it's very intense. At 0:45 you can read "In parallel, more than a hundred yellow vests gathered in Place de la Bastille before being dispersed by the CRS 4".
I ask myself if the PTB did it in purpose or if it's just unconsciousness. Sure, if you club peaceful people you will calm down tensions
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zak
The Living Force
It would appear that the French government has already knows what measures to take, and has already refined its methods of repression with the Egyptian population in order to apply them with its own population.
Les ONG dénoncent la complicité de la France dans la torture en Egypte -- Sott.net
Les ONG dénoncent la complicité de la France dans la torture en Egypte -- Sott.net
DeepL translation.
Adaryn
The Living Force
A good article by Eric Zemmour (who's often rather spot on on various issues):
Two peoples, two worlds, two Frances
"La France périphérique" (peripheral/outlying France) and "la France des minorités" (the France of minorities) no longer live together. They despise and hate each other.
To each his own cobblestone.
To each his streets, to each his demonstrations, to each his slogans.
Saturday, November 24. On one side were the "yellow vests" and on the other side, #NousToutes [a feminist rally along the same line as the "MeToo" movement]. On one side, people were protesting against the increase in taxes on diesel fuel, and on the other side, "against violence against women".
On the one hand, peripheral France, the working classes, employees, shopkeepers, workers, a majority of white men between 30 and 50 years old; on the other hand, the France of "minorities", feminist movements, LGBT, "racialized" people, Islamic indigenists, defenders of veiled women.
On the one hand, social networks; on the other hand, the mainstream media, trade unions, the self-righteous left; on the one hand, a France which is struggling to survive till the end of the month; on the other hand, a France which is richly dependent on public subsidies. And which is always asking for more!
On the one hand, a people ostracized by the elites and the media, vilified and taunted, called "beauf" (redneck), "fascist", "brown shirt".
When troublemakers arrived on the scene (of the protest), the Minister of the Interior was quick to denounce the "ultra-right", before it was discovered that it was rather the "ultra-left".
On the contrary, the "women's demonstration" was exalted and glorified by all the media. Those media do not take offence at separate processions, forbidden to white men or women; nor do they question the dominant profile of the assailants of women or homosexuals on the street, which the police are ordered to keep secret.
In the past, the left served as a political link between the elites and the working classes. For many decades, the left, from universities to the media to political parties, has chosen to celebrate "minorities" and to forget workers and employees, who are guilty of evil "racist" or "homophobic" thoughts.
These new priests of political correctness, among whom Benoît Hamon is a leading figure, have submitted their societal progressivism to "islamic-leftism", without hesitation.
In the name of internationalism, they have abandoned the French people.
In their view, the "yellow vests" are "deplorables", the word Hillary Clinton used to describe Trump's voters; in the eyes of the "yellow vests", their opponents are increasingly likened to the "foreign party".
Last Saturday's two processions embodied two peoples, two Frances, two worlds.
The "yellow vests" are the "dear old country" of General de Gaulle, "the reluctant Gauls", as Macron would say; driven out of the city center due to the rise in real estate prices, they fled the banlieue, where "they no longer felt like they were in France", to take refuge in areas far from metropolitan areas and where the car is their survival instrument.
The feminist procession embodies the France of metropolises, the globalised France, the alliance of the city center and the banlieue. These two Frances no longer live together; they no longer speak to each other, they no longer understand each other. They despise and hate each other.
Two peoples, two worlds, two Frances
"La France périphérique" (peripheral/outlying France) and "la France des minorités" (the France of minorities) no longer live together. They despise and hate each other.
To each his own cobblestone.
To each his streets, to each his demonstrations, to each his slogans.
Saturday, November 24. On one side were the "yellow vests" and on the other side, #NousToutes [a feminist rally along the same line as the "MeToo" movement]. On one side, people were protesting against the increase in taxes on diesel fuel, and on the other side, "against violence against women".
On the one hand, peripheral France, the working classes, employees, shopkeepers, workers, a majority of white men between 30 and 50 years old; on the other hand, the France of "minorities", feminist movements, LGBT, "racialized" people, Islamic indigenists, defenders of veiled women.
On the one hand, social networks; on the other hand, the mainstream media, trade unions, the self-righteous left; on the one hand, a France which is struggling to survive till the end of the month; on the other hand, a France which is richly dependent on public subsidies. And which is always asking for more!
On the one hand, a people ostracized by the elites and the media, vilified and taunted, called "beauf" (redneck), "fascist", "brown shirt".
When troublemakers arrived on the scene (of the protest), the Minister of the Interior was quick to denounce the "ultra-right", before it was discovered that it was rather the "ultra-left".
On the contrary, the "women's demonstration" was exalted and glorified by all the media. Those media do not take offence at separate processions, forbidden to white men or women; nor do they question the dominant profile of the assailants of women or homosexuals on the street, which the police are ordered to keep secret.
In the past, the left served as a political link between the elites and the working classes. For many decades, the left, from universities to the media to political parties, has chosen to celebrate "minorities" and to forget workers and employees, who are guilty of evil "racist" or "homophobic" thoughts.
These new priests of political correctness, among whom Benoît Hamon is a leading figure, have submitted their societal progressivism to "islamic-leftism", without hesitation.
In the name of internationalism, they have abandoned the French people.
In their view, the "yellow vests" are "deplorables", the word Hillary Clinton used to describe Trump's voters; in the eyes of the "yellow vests", their opponents are increasingly likened to the "foreign party".
Last Saturday's two processions embodied two peoples, two Frances, two worlds.
The "yellow vests" are the "dear old country" of General de Gaulle, "the reluctant Gauls", as Macron would say; driven out of the city center due to the rise in real estate prices, they fled the banlieue, where "they no longer felt like they were in France", to take refuge in areas far from metropolitan areas and where the car is their survival instrument.
The feminist procession embodies the France of metropolises, the globalised France, the alliance of the city center and the banlieue. These two Frances no longer live together; they no longer speak to each other, they no longer understand each other. They despise and hate each other.
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This is all very interesting. The so called 'deplorables' beginning to stir and resist as the elites try to solidify their control. The pseudo intellectual left so smug in their self righteous imaginings have become the useful idiots. Though of course they don't see it. Whether anything comes of this or not, things are heating up. The mass unconscious is beginning to awake at least a little. And not just a local phenomenon.
angelburst29
The Living Force
Macron did not exactly receive a warm Welcome, when he arrived at the G20 Summit in Argentina. He's disposition and behavior on the sidelines of the Summit, further unveiled his total lack of disciplined Statesmanship and diplomatic protocol.
12.1.2018 - Emmanuel Macron: The Perfect Storm of Arrogance and Inexperience
Emmanuel Macron: The Perfect Storm of Arrogance and Inexperience - Eurasia Future
While Chinese President Xi Jinping was personally greeted at the airport tarmac in Buenos Aries by a full military band and a parade of dignitaries from Argentina, French President Emmanuel Macron received a resoundingly different welcome.
Published on Nov 29, 2018 (4:19 min.)
When Macron disembarked from his jet, rather than being met with a sea of diplomats and a fully uniformed military band, he instead shook hands with what appeared to be an airport security guard wearing a distinct yellow hi-visibility yellow vest.
Published on Nov 28, 2018 (2:17 min.)
This comes as the Yellow Vest Protests in Paris hit their third week while police in the French capital continue to greet the demonstrators with a show of violence that has included savage beatings, the firing of tear gas and the copious use of water cannon.
Ali Özkök - علي أزكوك @Ozkok_
https://twitter.com/Ozkok_/status/1068842896986701827
BREAKING: #Giletsjaunes protesters start burning cars & building barricades in #Paris.#France
07:22 - 1 Dec 2018
As Paris continues to burn as demonstrators from multiple echelons of society rally against Macron’s increase of the fuel tax while simultaneously calling for the President’s resignation, Macron has made something of a fool of himself at the G20 summit where an open microphone recorded a peculiar conversation he held with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammad bin Salman (aka MBS).
Macron was heard telling MBS “You never listen to me”, to which the Saudi Crown Prince replied that he will listen before telling Macron not to worry, after which MBS belted out a clear laugh. Macron then replied that he is worried nevertheless.
Published on Nov 30, 2018 (1:04 min.)
The entire episode made Macron appear all the more amateurish before MBS whose warm reception by the Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that forecasts of MBS’s political demise were wholly premature. This is not the first time that Macron has conducted supremely awkward exchanges with foreign heads of state. He once famously groped Donald Trump’s leg during a photo-op, while he and his government have also made some major faux pas regarding their relations with Turkey.
In April of this year, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France had helped to cause a divide between the tripartite Astana partnership for peace in Syria comprised of Russia, Turkey and Iran. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu responded to this insult by stating,
This incident transpired a month after Macron invited a member of the PKK affiliate YPG’s political arm PYD to the Élysée Palace. This was not only a dangerous move but a diplomatically unwise move. In the 21st century, mature states should not be dealing with non-state entities that are hostile to the legitimate authorities of their country, while mature states should also avoid courting non-state entities that pose a direct terrorist threat to their neighbours. In inviting PYD “politician” Khaled Eissa to the presidential palace of France, President Macron did both of these things. Taken in totality, Macron did nothing more than shake hands with a terrorist.
Beyond this, Macron later suggested that a European Army should be formed to defend against threats from Russia, China and most awkwardly against France’s long time ally the United States. This was of course just prior to Macron’s deeply awkward campaign style speech against Donald Trump during what was supposed to be a memorial ceremony for the veterans of the First World War.
Macron’s awkward geopolitical moments also include insulting Russian journalists in front of the Russian President who later defended his country’s official media outlets while Macron was recently caught posing for pictures with a half naked drug dealer in Saint Martin.
While it remains to be seen whether Turkey’s President Erdogan will hold a much discussed meeting with MBS to get further clarity on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Macron-MBS tête-à-tête clearly made MBS look like the more relaxed diplomat in spite of the serious accusations leveled against him, while Macron frankly looked pathetic.
As Macron came from the world of banking and had no previous foreign policy or diplomatic experience prior to being elected President, it would seem that the youthful Macron is becoming less experienced with age and in so doing is becoming a diplomatic liability for both France and the European Union.
Until Macron faces up to the fact that his arrogance is betrayed by his lack of experience and knowledge regarding diplomatic protocol, the cringe-worthy moments for the French President will likely continue throughout his term.
12.01.2018 - French Police clash with 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris, 129 arrested
French police clash with 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris, 129 arrested | Reuters
Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, stand up in front of a police water canon during clashes near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday and clashes erupted in other cities across France in a third weekend of demonstrations against high living costs.
Police said 129 people had been arrested amid concerns that violent far-right and far-left groups were infiltrating the “yellow vests” movement, a spontaneous grassroots rebellion over the struggle of many in France to make ends meet.
For more than two weeks, the “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) have blocked roads in protests across France, posing one of the largest and most sustained challenges Emmanuel Macron has faced in his 18-month-old presidency.
In Paris, masked and hooded protesters picked up and hurled crowd barriers and other projectiles in running battles with police around the world famous Champs Elysees boulevard and beyond into other parts of the capital’s central tourism districts.
Six policemen and 14 protesters have been injured, Paris police said.
“We are attached to dialogue, but also the respect for the law,” Edouard Philippe told reporters. “I am shocked by the attacks on the symbols of France.”
Several hundred yellow vests, who have no leader and have largely organized themselves online, sat down around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the avenue, singing La Marseillaise, France’s national anthem, and chanting, “Macron Resign!”
On the facade of the towering 19th-century arch, protesters scrawled in big black letters: “The yellow vests will triumph.”
After several hours of skirmishes in the morning, police had appeared to clear the area around the Arc, but rioters and peaceful protesters subsequently returned. Clashes in adjacent streets also broke out where barricades were put up, car windows were smashed and at least a dozen vehicles set alight.
Along the Champs Elysees, which was cordoned off, peaceful demonstrators held up a slogan reading, “Macron, stop treating us like idiots!”
BEYOND PARIS, MACRON STANDS FIRM
Macron said on Tuesday he understood the anger felt by voters outside France’s big cities over the squeeze that fuel prices have put on households, but insisted he would not be bounced into changing policy by “thugs”.
Philippe said there were 5,500 protesters in Paris and some 36,000 elsewhere in France. Police unions reported 582 road blockages.
Nantes airport in western France was briefly closed after protesters reached the tarmac and clashes with police broke out in the city center. In Tarbes in southwestern France and Le Puy-en-Velay in the center of the country, protesters laid siege to local police stations. Violent clashes also broke out in Charleville Mézières in the northeast.
“What message do the yellow vests want to pass today? That we set France on fire, or find solutions? I find this (violence) absurd,” Jacline Mouraud, a prominent activist within the yellow vests movement, told BFM television.
But a retired yellow-vest protester said: “The government is not listening. Revolution cannot happen without violence.”
The outburst of anger is strongest on the outskirts of smaller provincial towns and villages, and underlines the gap between metropolitan elites and working class voters that has boosted anti-establishment politics across the Western world.
“Mr Macron wrote a book called Revolution. He was prophetic because it is what he has managed to launch, but not the revolution he sought,” Far-left La France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Melenchon told reporters ahead of a protest in Marseille.
The immediate trigger for the protest wave was the decision of Macron to raise tax on diesel fuel in a move to encourage the driving of less-polluting cars.
The yellow vests, who enjoy widespread public support, get their name from the high-visibility jackets all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles.
The protests caught Macron off-guard just as he was trying to counter a fall in his popularity rating to 30 percent. His unyielding response has exposed him to charges of being out of touch with ordinary people.
Slideshow (21 Images)
French police clash with 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris, 129 arrested | Reuters
12.01.2018 - Sixty-five people injured in Paris protests: Police
Sixty-five people injured in Paris protests: police | Reuters
Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, face off with French riot police during clashes at the Place de l'Etoile near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Sixty-five people have been injured, including 11 members of the security forces, in protests against high living costs in central Paris, the police department said.
Reuters images showed about a dozen cars on fire in roads around the capital’s famous Champs-Elysees avenue.
12.01.2018 - Riot Police use Teargas against protesters in Paris
Riot police use teargas against protesters in Paris | Reuters
Tear gas floats in the air near the Arc de Triomphe as protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' gather to protest against higher diesel taxes, demonstrate in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
French riot police used teargas on Saturday against protesters clad in fluorescent yellow trying to break through security cordons at the Champs Elysees in Paris.
A Paris police spokeswoman said 16 people had already been arrested. Officials fear far-right and far-left groups plan to infiltrate the yellow vests movement, a popular rebellion against diesel tax hikes and the high cost of living.
November 30, 2018 - Brussels Police battle 'yellow vest' protesters
Brussels police battle yellow vest protesters | Reuters
Belgian police fired water cannon and teargas in central Brussels on Friday to drive back protesters inspired by France's "yellow vest" anti-tax movement who hurled rocks at the prime minister's office.
Police made dozens of arrests and protesters destroyed at least two police vans as what started as a peaceful but unauthorized demonstration, lacking clear leadership and largely promoted on social media, descended into violence when people, many masked or hooded, tried to breach police lines.
For three hours, crowds complaining about fuel prices and a squeeze on living standards had disrupted traffic and walked the streets. Police said they had arrested about 60 people before the violence, mostly for blocking roads or carrying large fireworks.
Slideshow (14 Images)
Brussels police battle yellow vest protesters | Reuters
12.1.2018 - Emmanuel Macron: The Perfect Storm of Arrogance and Inexperience
Emmanuel Macron: The Perfect Storm of Arrogance and Inexperience - Eurasia Future
While Chinese President Xi Jinping was personally greeted at the airport tarmac in Buenos Aries by a full military band and a parade of dignitaries from Argentina, French President Emmanuel Macron received a resoundingly different welcome.
When Macron disembarked from his jet, rather than being met with a sea of diplomats and a fully uniformed military band, he instead shook hands with what appeared to be an airport security guard wearing a distinct yellow hi-visibility yellow vest.
This comes as the Yellow Vest Protests in Paris hit their third week while police in the French capital continue to greet the demonstrators with a show of violence that has included savage beatings, the firing of tear gas and the copious use of water cannon.
Ali Özkök - علي أزكوك @Ozkok_
https://twitter.com/Ozkok_/status/1068842896986701827
BREAKING: #Giletsjaunes protesters start burning cars & building barricades in #Paris.#France
07:22 - 1 Dec 2018
As Paris continues to burn as demonstrators from multiple echelons of society rally against Macron’s increase of the fuel tax while simultaneously calling for the President’s resignation, Macron has made something of a fool of himself at the G20 summit where an open microphone recorded a peculiar conversation he held with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammad bin Salman (aka MBS).
Macron was heard telling MBS “You never listen to me”, to which the Saudi Crown Prince replied that he will listen before telling Macron not to worry, after which MBS belted out a clear laugh. Macron then replied that he is worried nevertheless.
The entire episode made Macron appear all the more amateurish before MBS whose warm reception by the Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that forecasts of MBS’s political demise were wholly premature. This is not the first time that Macron has conducted supremely awkward exchanges with foreign heads of state. He once famously groped Donald Trump’s leg during a photo-op, while he and his government have also made some major faux pas regarding their relations with Turkey.
In April of this year, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France had helped to cause a divide between the tripartite Astana partnership for peace in Syria comprised of Russia, Turkey and Iran. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu responded to this insult by stating,
“We have to have strong relations with all countries…I’d like to invite him (Macron) to become more serious”.
This incident transpired a month after Macron invited a member of the PKK affiliate YPG’s political arm PYD to the Élysée Palace. This was not only a dangerous move but a diplomatically unwise move. In the 21st century, mature states should not be dealing with non-state entities that are hostile to the legitimate authorities of their country, while mature states should also avoid courting non-state entities that pose a direct terrorist threat to their neighbours. In inviting PYD “politician” Khaled Eissa to the presidential palace of France, President Macron did both of these things. Taken in totality, Macron did nothing more than shake hands with a terrorist.
Beyond this, Macron later suggested that a European Army should be formed to defend against threats from Russia, China and most awkwardly against France’s long time ally the United States. This was of course just prior to Macron’s deeply awkward campaign style speech against Donald Trump during what was supposed to be a memorial ceremony for the veterans of the First World War.
Macron’s awkward geopolitical moments also include insulting Russian journalists in front of the Russian President who later defended his country’s official media outlets while Macron was recently caught posing for pictures with a half naked drug dealer in Saint Martin.
While it remains to be seen whether Turkey’s President Erdogan will hold a much discussed meeting with MBS to get further clarity on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Macron-MBS tête-à-tête clearly made MBS look like the more relaxed diplomat in spite of the serious accusations leveled against him, while Macron frankly looked pathetic.
As Macron came from the world of banking and had no previous foreign policy or diplomatic experience prior to being elected President, it would seem that the youthful Macron is becoming less experienced with age and in so doing is becoming a diplomatic liability for both France and the European Union.
Until Macron faces up to the fact that his arrogance is betrayed by his lack of experience and knowledge regarding diplomatic protocol, the cringe-worthy moments for the French President will likely continue throughout his term.
12.01.2018 - French Police clash with 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris, 129 arrested
French police clash with 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris, 129 arrested | Reuters
Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, stand up in front of a police water canon during clashes near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday and clashes erupted in other cities across France in a third weekend of demonstrations against high living costs.
Police said 129 people had been arrested amid concerns that violent far-right and far-left groups were infiltrating the “yellow vests” movement, a spontaneous grassroots rebellion over the struggle of many in France to make ends meet.
For more than two weeks, the “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) have blocked roads in protests across France, posing one of the largest and most sustained challenges Emmanuel Macron has faced in his 18-month-old presidency.
In Paris, masked and hooded protesters picked up and hurled crowd barriers and other projectiles in running battles with police around the world famous Champs Elysees boulevard and beyond into other parts of the capital’s central tourism districts.
Six policemen and 14 protesters have been injured, Paris police said.
“We are attached to dialogue, but also the respect for the law,” Edouard Philippe told reporters. “I am shocked by the attacks on the symbols of France.”
Several hundred yellow vests, who have no leader and have largely organized themselves online, sat down around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the avenue, singing La Marseillaise, France’s national anthem, and chanting, “Macron Resign!”
On the facade of the towering 19th-century arch, protesters scrawled in big black letters: “The yellow vests will triumph.”
After several hours of skirmishes in the morning, police had appeared to clear the area around the Arc, but rioters and peaceful protesters subsequently returned. Clashes in adjacent streets also broke out where barricades were put up, car windows were smashed and at least a dozen vehicles set alight.
Along the Champs Elysees, which was cordoned off, peaceful demonstrators held up a slogan reading, “Macron, stop treating us like idiots!”
BEYOND PARIS, MACRON STANDS FIRM
Macron said on Tuesday he understood the anger felt by voters outside France’s big cities over the squeeze that fuel prices have put on households, but insisted he would not be bounced into changing policy by “thugs”.
Philippe said there were 5,500 protesters in Paris and some 36,000 elsewhere in France. Police unions reported 582 road blockages.
Nantes airport in western France was briefly closed after protesters reached the tarmac and clashes with police broke out in the city center. In Tarbes in southwestern France and Le Puy-en-Velay in the center of the country, protesters laid siege to local police stations. Violent clashes also broke out in Charleville Mézières in the northeast.
“What message do the yellow vests want to pass today? That we set France on fire, or find solutions? I find this (violence) absurd,” Jacline Mouraud, a prominent activist within the yellow vests movement, told BFM television.
But a retired yellow-vest protester said: “The government is not listening. Revolution cannot happen without violence.”
The outburst of anger is strongest on the outskirts of smaller provincial towns and villages, and underlines the gap between metropolitan elites and working class voters that has boosted anti-establishment politics across the Western world.
“Mr Macron wrote a book called Revolution. He was prophetic because it is what he has managed to launch, but not the revolution he sought,” Far-left La France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Melenchon told reporters ahead of a protest in Marseille.
The immediate trigger for the protest wave was the decision of Macron to raise tax on diesel fuel in a move to encourage the driving of less-polluting cars.
The yellow vests, who enjoy widespread public support, get their name from the high-visibility jackets all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles.
The protests caught Macron off-guard just as he was trying to counter a fall in his popularity rating to 30 percent. His unyielding response has exposed him to charges of being out of touch with ordinary people.
Slideshow (21 Images)
French police clash with 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris, 129 arrested | Reuters
12.01.2018 - Sixty-five people injured in Paris protests: Police
Sixty-five people injured in Paris protests: police | Reuters
Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, face off with French riot police during clashes at the Place de l'Etoile near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Sixty-five people have been injured, including 11 members of the security forces, in protests against high living costs in central Paris, the police department said.
Reuters images showed about a dozen cars on fire in roads around the capital’s famous Champs-Elysees avenue.
12.01.2018 - Riot Police use Teargas against protesters in Paris
Riot police use teargas against protesters in Paris | Reuters
Tear gas floats in the air near the Arc de Triomphe as protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' gather to protest against higher diesel taxes, demonstrate in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
French riot police used teargas on Saturday against protesters clad in fluorescent yellow trying to break through security cordons at the Champs Elysees in Paris.
A Paris police spokeswoman said 16 people had already been arrested. Officials fear far-right and far-left groups plan to infiltrate the yellow vests movement, a popular rebellion against diesel tax hikes and the high cost of living.
November 30, 2018 - Brussels Police battle 'yellow vest' protesters
Brussels police battle yellow vest protesters | Reuters
Belgian police fired water cannon and teargas in central Brussels on Friday to drive back protesters inspired by France's "yellow vest" anti-tax movement who hurled rocks at the prime minister's office.
Police made dozens of arrests and protesters destroyed at least two police vans as what started as a peaceful but unauthorized demonstration, lacking clear leadership and largely promoted on social media, descended into violence when people, many masked or hooded, tried to breach police lines.
For three hours, crowds complaining about fuel prices and a squeeze on living standards had disrupted traffic and walked the streets. Police said they had arrested about 60 people before the violence, mostly for blocking roads or carrying large fireworks.
Slideshow (14 Images)
Brussels police battle yellow vest protesters | Reuters
isparnid
Jedi Council Member
Adaryn
The Living Force
From this article (in French):
Secessio plebis, aka Secession of the Plebs
"In his Histoire de la Rome antique, Lucien Jerphagnon reminds us that around the 5th century BC, a decisive event occurred in the history of the construction of the Eternal City: "Deprived of the responsibilities to which they felt they were entitled, the plebeians chose the schism, in other words they withdrew to the Aventine Hill (...) The patricians wanted separation? Never mind: the plebe imposed pure and simple secession on them."
Two other secessions took place (-449 and -287), with the same corollary: when patricians (citizens of the upper class) formed an oligarchy and abused their privileges, the plebe chose to withdraw. We are not yet in a state of sedition, but it must be said that the historical parallel is justified. The plebs, the poor and the "ordinary people" have chosen not to consent any longer to the tax racket imposed by the ruling oligarchy.
"The change introduced by Constantine in the finances was one of the main causes of the fall of the Roman Empire."
In his essay Of taxes, philosopher David Hume even demonstrates that the fall of the Roman Empire was caused by the excess taxes decided by the various emperors: "Historians inform us that one of the chief causes of the destruction of the Roman state was the alteration which Constantine introduced into the finances (…). The people, in all the provinces, were so grinded and oppressed by the publicans, that they were glad to take refuge under the conquering arms of the barbarians; whose dominion, as they had fewer necessities and less art, was found preferable to the refined tyranny of the Romans."
Again, the similarity is disturbing. What we see here are indeed the new plebeians in the provinces who are fighting against a state that is depriving them of their meagre resources. For historian of antiquity Virginie Girod, this analysis is justified: "This seems relevant to me, but we must always analyze with caution and restraint. Then, there's always the need for bread and circuses so that the people won't get involved in politics... We have Cyril Hanouna for the circuses, but there is not enough bread."
The France "of the territories" (to use political jargon), the France "who smokes and drives on diesel fuel" (to quote the government spokesman), the France outside the periphery is on edge. Already deprived of its art of living in several areas, not to mention its safety or its beautiful fabric of solidarity, France is waking up from a long slumber, to tell the new patricians that it is on the verge of secession. Our leaders would therefore be well advised to contemplate Julius Caesar's words: "all men are naturally bent on liberty, and hate the state of slavery"."
Secessio plebis, aka Secession of the Plebs
"In his Histoire de la Rome antique, Lucien Jerphagnon reminds us that around the 5th century BC, a decisive event occurred in the history of the construction of the Eternal City: "Deprived of the responsibilities to which they felt they were entitled, the plebeians chose the schism, in other words they withdrew to the Aventine Hill (...) The patricians wanted separation? Never mind: the plebe imposed pure and simple secession on them."
Two other secessions took place (-449 and -287), with the same corollary: when patricians (citizens of the upper class) formed an oligarchy and abused their privileges, the plebe chose to withdraw. We are not yet in a state of sedition, but it must be said that the historical parallel is justified. The plebs, the poor and the "ordinary people" have chosen not to consent any longer to the tax racket imposed by the ruling oligarchy.
"The change introduced by Constantine in the finances was one of the main causes of the fall of the Roman Empire."
In his essay Of taxes, philosopher David Hume even demonstrates that the fall of the Roman Empire was caused by the excess taxes decided by the various emperors: "Historians inform us that one of the chief causes of the destruction of the Roman state was the alteration which Constantine introduced into the finances (…). The people, in all the provinces, were so grinded and oppressed by the publicans, that they were glad to take refuge under the conquering arms of the barbarians; whose dominion, as they had fewer necessities and less art, was found preferable to the refined tyranny of the Romans."
Again, the similarity is disturbing. What we see here are indeed the new plebeians in the provinces who are fighting against a state that is depriving them of their meagre resources. For historian of antiquity Virginie Girod, this analysis is justified: "This seems relevant to me, but we must always analyze with caution and restraint. Then, there's always the need for bread and circuses so that the people won't get involved in politics... We have Cyril Hanouna for the circuses, but there is not enough bread."
The France "of the territories" (to use political jargon), the France "who smokes and drives on diesel fuel" (to quote the government spokesman), the France outside the periphery is on edge. Already deprived of its art of living in several areas, not to mention its safety or its beautiful fabric of solidarity, France is waking up from a long slumber, to tell the new patricians that it is on the verge of secession. Our leaders would therefore be well advised to contemplate Julius Caesar's words: "all men are naturally bent on liberty, and hate the state of slavery"."
Last edited:
angelburst29
The Living Force
December 1, 2018 - France's Macron says nothing can justify the violence in Paris
France's Macron says nothing can justify the violence in Paris | Reuters
France's President Emmanuel Macron attends the plenary session at the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 1, 2018. G20 Argentina/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the wave of violence and vandalism in Paris on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger.
“No cause justifies that security forces are attacked, shops pillaged, public or private buildings set on fire, pedestrians or journalists threatened or that the Arc de Triomphe is sullied,” Macron told a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he was attending the G20 summit.
Declining to take questions after a day of rioting in Paris, he said those who had carried out the violence merely sought to spread chaos. He said he would convene a meeting of senior ministers as soon as he returns to discuss how to respond.
01.12.2018 - Awkward Moments at G20 Summit that brole the Internet
Awkward Moments at G20 Summit that Broke the Internet (PHOTO, VIDEO)
Summit of G20 in Buenos Aires, Argentina turned out to be not only the place for making serious decisions and resolving world problems, but also the place where high-level officials faced organizational problems they have to cope with.
First guest who got in the chapter of accidents was Angela Merkel. German chancellor's plane let her down as it turned around and landed at Cologne airport only an hour after takeoff. "Konrad Adenauer" aborted its planned 15-hour flight to Buenos Aires due to a technical problem.
Die Feuerwehr erwartet die in Köln gestrandete Kanzlerin. Jetzt warten auf die Ersatzmaschine.
As for Emanuel Macron, French President did not manage to escape from yellow vests, which "caught up" with him even in Argentina. He got an cold welcome at the Buenos Aires airport: French Leader and his First Lady were greeted at a seemingly empty airstrip by the sporting yellow security vests, which are quite familiar to President Macron.
Published on Nov 28, 2018 (2:17 min.)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping's arrival neither went smoothly. During the welcome ceremony, the first person, who was greeted by an honour guard, was random Chinese official, who was taken for President Xi, as the guard announced him to the music playing. Chinese President and First Lady got out the plane a little bit later and were also greeted in accordance with the rules.
Published on Nov 30, 2018 (1:30 min.)
US President Donald Trump during the meeting with his Argentinian counterpart Mauricio Macri suffered from synchronized interpretation, which made the US President really angry. "I understood him better in his language than in my 'interpretation'," Trump said before dropping the headset on the floor.
Mass media, observing G20 summit, also has sparked public interest. A US journal accidentally called Russian President Vladimir Putin "Vladimir Trump" in the article, dedicated to Trump's decision to cancel a planned meeting with Russian President. Of course, later the Wall Street Journal released a correction, but netizens still can't decide option they like the most.
Speaking of Vladimir Putin, he has become the subject of public attention yet again after his special handshake with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman caught the eye of quite a few reporters. The video of the exchange quickly went viral.
Find someone who's as happy to see you as Putin is greeting Saudi Crown Prince MBS pic.twitter.com/fZ1TQAi342
The annual G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina began on November 30, Friday. It gathers the leaders of the 19 other countries in the group as well as the EU leadership. The event will last to December 1, Saturday.
December 1, 2018 - Paris department stores close amid escalating violence
Paris department stores close amid escalating violence | Reuters
A view shows police forces and protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, during clashes as part of a demonstration near the Place de l'Etoile in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps department store in central Paris have closed their doors as violence has spread in the capital amid protests against the rising cost of living, two spokeswomen told Reuters.
December 1, 2018 - Gangs of 'yellow vest' militants set heart of Paris ablaze
Roving gangs of yellow vest militants set heart of Paris ablaze | Reuters
Firemen extinguish burning cars set afire by protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel fuel taxes, during clashes near the Place de l'Etoile in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Groups of young men, their faces masked and some carrying metal bars and axes, rioted through the streets of central Paris on Saturday, setting a dozen vehicles ablaze and torching buildings, unleashing the city's worst urban unrest for years.
Near the Ritz hotel, not far from high-end boutiques and restaurants, and in the avenues off the Arc de Triomphe, where several foreign embassies are located, gangs of violent protesters ran riot, setting a police van on fire and overturning cars. At least two buildings were aflame.
Near the Ritz hotel, Christmas trees decorating the streets were upended and piled in the middle of an avenue and set alight, prompting chanting from scores of protesters.
Youths tried to smash through the windows of the flagship Apple Store on the Champs Elysees which opened just a few weeks ago. A boutique on the Rue Rivoli was broken into and looted.
Police said several hundred far-right and far-left extremists had infiltrated a demonstration by some 5,000 “yellow vest” protesters, who had gathered in the capital to denounce President Emmanuel Macron’s fuel tax increases.
We are in a state of insurrection, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Jeanne d’Hauteserre, the mayor of the 8th city district, near the Arc de Triomphe, told BFM TV.
It is the third week of national unrest by the movement — named after the high-visibility jackets that all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles — and the second consecutive weekend of violent disturbance in Paris.
As night descended on the city, there were overturned vehicles in flames around the Arc de Triomphe, an assault rifle had been stolen by protesters from a police van, and fires were burning in popular tourists areas such as Opera.
Around Saint Lazare station, the windows of a bank were smashed before police on horseback moved down the main street, pushing protesters back. A branch of an insurance company was sprayed with graffiti reading “Macron in prison”.
In other areas, there appeared to be very little police presence. Reuters reporters on the streets witnessed masked young men smashing the windows of a police van and then setting it alight.
Firemen arrived to douse the flames. But only minutes later, another group of young men arrived, and after failing to overturn the van they detonated firecrackers inside it, causing a series of explosions.
Tourists near the famed Galeries Lafayette department store were alarmed by the uncontrolled outpouring of violence.
“We went to the Galeries Lafayette as we thought we would be safe there but then we were evacuated by staff and security,” said Tina Holten, a 35-year-old visitor from Denmark. “We felt safe inside but now that we are outside we are very scared. We can’t find anywhere to go.”
On the Rue de la Paix, one of Paris’s most expensive shopping streets, piles of Christmas trees were left smouldering after firemen put out at least three blazes. The jewelry stores and fashion boutiques were locked up, but colorful Christmas decorations on the street were still sparkling.
The U.S. embassy issued a statement urging citizens to be careful, saying that “violent clashes between police and protesters” continued in at least three of Paris’s 20 districts, known as arrondissements.
“Avoid all demonstrations, seek shelter in the vicinity of clashes, follow instructions of security personnel,” it said.
It was unclear what plans the police had to shut down the roving groups of protesters. Near the Arc de Triomphe, they moved in to try to control the violence, but in other areas of the city, there was next to no presence of security forces.
It is the worst unrest the city has seen since at least 2005, when the outskirts of the capital were in flames over tension between the police and the youth of poor suburbs known as “banlieus”, demonstrating over deaths of two young people.
Slideshow (2 Images)
Roving gangs of yellow vest militants set heart of Paris ablaze | Reuters
01.12.2018 - 'Yellow Vests' Protestors set building on fire near Champs Elysees
'Yellow Vests' Protestors Set Building on Fire Near Champs Elysees (VIDEO)
The incident comes amid ongoing protests against raising taxes on fuel in the French capital where, currently, approximately 6,000 police officers have been called in to ensure public order.
Protestors representing the 'Yellow Vests' movement have set a building on fire in Paris close to the Champs Elysees where the most violent clashes have been reported.
A fire brigade arrived at the scene to put the blaze down, Reuters reported, adding that the threat of fire endangering other buildings still existed.
Protests against raising taxes on fuel in France began in mid-November. Participants of the demonstrations call themselves "Yellow Vests" — the name is derived from reflective capes for motorists that the protestors are wearing.
12.01.2018 - French Health Minister says Paris riots unacceptable, extremists hijacking protests
French health minister says Paris riots unacceptable, extremists hijacking protests | Reuters
Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, gather at the Place de l'Etoile near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The violence seen in Paris on Saturday is unacceptable and "yellow vest" protesters must speak out against extremist groups hijacking their legitimate grievances, Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said.
“I would like to hear the yellow vests say that this type of demonstration has been taken over by extremist groups and that they cannot accept it,” she told BFM television, urging them to organize themselves so they can begin a dialogue with the government.
12.01.2018 - More than 200 people arrested during Paris protests: Police
More than 200 people arrested during Paris protests: police | Reuters
French riot police stand guard near the Arc de Triomphe during clashes with protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
More than 200 people have been arrested after a day of clashes between protesters and police in central Paris, local authorities said.
The Paris police department said 205 people had been arrested including militants from the far-right and far-left.
France's Macron says nothing can justify the violence in Paris | Reuters
France's President Emmanuel Macron attends the plenary session at the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 1, 2018. G20 Argentina/Handout via REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the wave of violence and vandalism in Paris on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger.
“No cause justifies that security forces are attacked, shops pillaged, public or private buildings set on fire, pedestrians or journalists threatened or that the Arc de Triomphe is sullied,” Macron told a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he was attending the G20 summit.
Declining to take questions after a day of rioting in Paris, he said those who had carried out the violence merely sought to spread chaos. He said he would convene a meeting of senior ministers as soon as he returns to discuss how to respond.
01.12.2018 - Awkward Moments at G20 Summit that brole the Internet
Awkward Moments at G20 Summit that Broke the Internet (PHOTO, VIDEO)
Summit of G20 in Buenos Aires, Argentina turned out to be not only the place for making serious decisions and resolving world problems, but also the place where high-level officials faced organizational problems they have to cope with.
First guest who got in the chapter of accidents was Angela Merkel. German chancellor's plane let her down as it turned around and landed at Cologne airport only an hour after takeoff. "Konrad Adenauer" aborted its planned 15-hour flight to Buenos Aires due to a technical problem.
Die Feuerwehr erwartet die in Köln gestrandete Kanzlerin. Jetzt warten auf die Ersatzmaschine.
As for Emanuel Macron, French President did not manage to escape from yellow vests, which "caught up" with him even in Argentina. He got an cold welcome at the Buenos Aires airport: French Leader and his First Lady were greeted at a seemingly empty airstrip by the sporting yellow security vests, which are quite familiar to President Macron.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping's arrival neither went smoothly. During the welcome ceremony, the first person, who was greeted by an honour guard, was random Chinese official, who was taken for President Xi, as the guard announced him to the music playing. Chinese President and First Lady got out the plane a little bit later and were also greeted in accordance with the rules.
US President Donald Trump during the meeting with his Argentinian counterpart Mauricio Macri suffered from synchronized interpretation, which made the US President really angry. "I understood him better in his language than in my 'interpretation'," Trump said before dropping the headset on the floor.
Mass media, observing G20 summit, also has sparked public interest. A US journal accidentally called Russian President Vladimir Putin "Vladimir Trump" in the article, dedicated to Trump's decision to cancel a planned meeting with Russian President. Of course, later the Wall Street Journal released a correction, but netizens still can't decide option they like the most.
Speaking of Vladimir Putin, he has become the subject of public attention yet again after his special handshake with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman caught the eye of quite a few reporters. The video of the exchange quickly went viral.
Find someone who's as happy to see you as Putin is greeting Saudi Crown Prince MBS pic.twitter.com/fZ1TQAi342
The annual G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina began on November 30, Friday. It gathers the leaders of the 19 other countries in the group as well as the EU leadership. The event will last to December 1, Saturday.
December 1, 2018 - Paris department stores close amid escalating violence
Paris department stores close amid escalating violence | Reuters
A view shows police forces and protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, during clashes as part of a demonstration near the Place de l'Etoile in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps department store in central Paris have closed their doors as violence has spread in the capital amid protests against the rising cost of living, two spokeswomen told Reuters.
December 1, 2018 - Gangs of 'yellow vest' militants set heart of Paris ablaze
Roving gangs of yellow vest militants set heart of Paris ablaze | Reuters
Firemen extinguish burning cars set afire by protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel fuel taxes, during clashes near the Place de l'Etoile in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
Groups of young men, their faces masked and some carrying metal bars and axes, rioted through the streets of central Paris on Saturday, setting a dozen vehicles ablaze and torching buildings, unleashing the city's worst urban unrest for years.
Near the Ritz hotel, not far from high-end boutiques and restaurants, and in the avenues off the Arc de Triomphe, where several foreign embassies are located, gangs of violent protesters ran riot, setting a police van on fire and overturning cars. At least two buildings were aflame.
Near the Ritz hotel, Christmas trees decorating the streets were upended and piled in the middle of an avenue and set alight, prompting chanting from scores of protesters.
Youths tried to smash through the windows of the flagship Apple Store on the Champs Elysees which opened just a few weeks ago. A boutique on the Rue Rivoli was broken into and looted.
Police said several hundred far-right and far-left extremists had infiltrated a demonstration by some 5,000 “yellow vest” protesters, who had gathered in the capital to denounce President Emmanuel Macron’s fuel tax increases.
We are in a state of insurrection, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Jeanne d’Hauteserre, the mayor of the 8th city district, near the Arc de Triomphe, told BFM TV.
It is the third week of national unrest by the movement — named after the high-visibility jackets that all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles — and the second consecutive weekend of violent disturbance in Paris.
As night descended on the city, there were overturned vehicles in flames around the Arc de Triomphe, an assault rifle had been stolen by protesters from a police van, and fires were burning in popular tourists areas such as Opera.
Around Saint Lazare station, the windows of a bank were smashed before police on horseback moved down the main street, pushing protesters back. A branch of an insurance company was sprayed with graffiti reading “Macron in prison”.
In other areas, there appeared to be very little police presence. Reuters reporters on the streets witnessed masked young men smashing the windows of a police van and then setting it alight.
Firemen arrived to douse the flames. But only minutes later, another group of young men arrived, and after failing to overturn the van they detonated firecrackers inside it, causing a series of explosions.
Tourists near the famed Galeries Lafayette department store were alarmed by the uncontrolled outpouring of violence.
“We went to the Galeries Lafayette as we thought we would be safe there but then we were evacuated by staff and security,” said Tina Holten, a 35-year-old visitor from Denmark. “We felt safe inside but now that we are outside we are very scared. We can’t find anywhere to go.”
On the Rue de la Paix, one of Paris’s most expensive shopping streets, piles of Christmas trees were left smouldering after firemen put out at least three blazes. The jewelry stores and fashion boutiques were locked up, but colorful Christmas decorations on the street were still sparkling.
The U.S. embassy issued a statement urging citizens to be careful, saying that “violent clashes between police and protesters” continued in at least three of Paris’s 20 districts, known as arrondissements.
“Avoid all demonstrations, seek shelter in the vicinity of clashes, follow instructions of security personnel,” it said.
It was unclear what plans the police had to shut down the roving groups of protesters. Near the Arc de Triomphe, they moved in to try to control the violence, but in other areas of the city, there was next to no presence of security forces.
It is the worst unrest the city has seen since at least 2005, when the outskirts of the capital were in flames over tension between the police and the youth of poor suburbs known as “banlieus”, demonstrating over deaths of two young people.
Slideshow (2 Images)
Roving gangs of yellow vest militants set heart of Paris ablaze | Reuters
01.12.2018 - 'Yellow Vests' Protestors set building on fire near Champs Elysees
'Yellow Vests' Protestors Set Building on Fire Near Champs Elysees (VIDEO)
The incident comes amid ongoing protests against raising taxes on fuel in the French capital where, currently, approximately 6,000 police officers have been called in to ensure public order.
Protestors representing the 'Yellow Vests' movement have set a building on fire in Paris close to the Champs Elysees where the most violent clashes have been reported.
A fire brigade arrived at the scene to put the blaze down, Reuters reported, adding that the threat of fire endangering other buildings still existed.
Protests against raising taxes on fuel in France began in mid-November. Participants of the demonstrations call themselves "Yellow Vests" — the name is derived from reflective capes for motorists that the protestors are wearing.
12.01.2018 - French Health Minister says Paris riots unacceptable, extremists hijacking protests
French health minister says Paris riots unacceptable, extremists hijacking protests | Reuters
Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, gather at the Place de l'Etoile near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The violence seen in Paris on Saturday is unacceptable and "yellow vest" protesters must speak out against extremist groups hijacking their legitimate grievances, Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said.
“I would like to hear the yellow vests say that this type of demonstration has been taken over by extremist groups and that they cannot accept it,” she told BFM television, urging them to organize themselves so they can begin a dialogue with the government.
12.01.2018 - More than 200 people arrested during Paris protests: Police
More than 200 people arrested during Paris protests: police | Reuters
French riot police stand guard near the Arc de Triomphe during clashes with protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, in Paris, France, December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
More than 200 people have been arrested after a day of clashes between protesters and police in central Paris, local authorities said.
The Paris police department said 205 people had been arrested including militants from the far-right and far-left.
A little history (and yes, irony 
) specially addressed to non-french : in 2008, under the president Sarkozy, it was imposed to all drivers to buy and have a yellow vest in their vehicules for safety (the scandalmonger have said the manufacturer must have been a friend of him - a big market indeed). And now, 10 years later, we see the uselfulness of it 
) specially addressed to non-french : in 2008, under the president Sarkozy, it was imposed to all drivers to buy and have a yellow vest in their vehicules for safety (the scandalmonger have said the manufacturer must have been a friend of him - a big market indeed). And now, 10 years later, we see the uselfulness of it 
