Paris Riots Turn Violent

Paris, France has recently been experiencing countless anti-government protests led by thousands of civilians that call themselves the ‘Yellow Vests.’ French law states that every motor vehicle owner must have a high-visibility vest located in his or her car in case of a car emergency. These vests have become somewhat symbolic of their reasons for protest, also the fact that they are widely available and inexpensive.

 

Lucas Barioulet/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

These protests sparked after a plan for fuel prices/tax to rise across the country affecting most of the working class and urban outskirts. Also because of their President Emmanuel Macron’s economic policies and France’s rapidly declining standards of living. Their people have become increasingly violent in their protests including burning cars, businesses, homes, and other brutal attacks. As these passionate protests continued, the French government had no choice but to protect what was left unharmed and the innocent people who had been wounded both emotionally and physically. Barricades were then set up widespread across the affected areas to protect monuments, streets, and neighborhoods. Violent protesters burned barricades and continued to defy the French government’s authority; tear gas, batons, and rubber bullets were used to attempt to regain control. Around 200 protestors were injured, and about 200 police officers were also wounded. Tragically, the death toll is up to four French citizens who died fighting for this cause.

 

Stephane Mahe/Reuters

Because of the continuous violence occurring in France, many events were postponed or canceled in the affected areas as a safety precaution. The French government is determined to end these protests; but will they listen and be receptive to the concerns of the French people?

 

Benoit Tessier/Reuters

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/03/arrest-yellow-vest-figurehead-prompts-calls-hardening-french/