France 'yellow vest' protests: timeline of unrest
PARIS: Here is a timeline of the “yellow vest” movement in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades.
A new day of high-risk demonstrations is planned on Saturday. So far four people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests.
A video posted on Facebook on October 18 quickly goes viral. It shows a woman, Jacline Mouraud, addressing French President Emmanuel Macron — “Monsieur Macron”, she says — from her living room.
Saturday, November 17 is the first day of road blockades across France with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the fluorescent yellow vests motorists are required to carry in their cars.
The protests are spontaneous, and not organised by political parties or unions.
The next day Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the government will not back down.
Violence breaks out in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, led mainly by armed youths.
The next protests take place the following Saturday, November 24.
Thousands of demonstrators clash with police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Unimpressed, the “yellow vests” call for a new protest on December 1 on the Champs-Elysees.
On November 29 Philippe meets a “yellow vest” protester. A day later two accept his invitation, but one walks out.
The third day of protests takes place on Saturday, December 1 with widespread violence erupting particularly in Paris around the Arc de Triomphe and several upscale neighbourhoods.
PHOTO: AFP
The government says some 136,000 people protested across the country.
How Facebook fuelled France’s ‘yellow vest’ protests
Paris was on high alert on December 8 with major security measures in place ahead of fresh “yellow vest” protests which authorities fear could turn violent for a second weekend in a row. PHOTO: AFP
On December 4 the government retreats.
The prime minister says planned tax increases on petrol and diesel on January 1 will be suspended for six months and hikes in regulated electricity and gas prices will be frozen during the winter.
The “yellow vests” reject the moves as insufficient and press ahead with plans for a fourth day of protests on Saturday, December 8.
Outcry over mass teen roundup as France braces for more protests
France to deploy 89,000 security personnel as Paris braces for violence
For the fourth day of protests on Saturday, 89,000 security force members will be deployed, including 8,000 in Paris. Armoured vehicles will also be mobilised in the capital.
The government, as well as most opposition parties and unions have called for calm.
On the eve of a demonstration, “yellow vest” representatives advise against demonstrating in Paris where museums, monuments, big shops and many metro stations will be closed.
According to French interior ministry, over52 people are detained across France and 106 people are injured
French police fire tear gas at fuel price protestersSeveral hundred protesters converged on Champs Elysees where police prevented them from reaching Elysee Palace
Outcry over mass teen roundup as France braces for more protestsVideo shows teenagers kneeling as riot police barked orders at them
Original news : https://tribune.com.pk/story/1862647/3-france-yellow-vest-protests-timeline-unrest/