Paris Riots

It would appear that far left wing and far right wing nutjobs have found something to agree on: rioting. Masked infiltrators of the "Yellow Vest" movement, formed to protest rising fuel taxes in France, have looted stores, torched cars and smashed windows in Paris. There were more than 400 arrests and 133 injured in the worst violence Paris has seen in years.



Paris riots: Macron to hold emergency meeting after worst unrest in decade

 

These Parisians are revolting.

 

I'm not that keen on Macron.

 

Seriously it's unfortunate that people were injured but sometimes a little civil disobedience is necessary to stop the State from thinking they can do whatever they like, backed up by an increasingly militaristic police.

 

I dont like political violence or extremism but when you have a growing gap between the rich and the poor it is probably to be expected

 

Why

 

Well I'm sure he's a nice guy in person and wants the best for France. I just find him a bit right wing for my taste and his labour reforms are very unpopular. French Presidents are never popular though and France does have some challenging social problems.

 

Also, his make up bill is astronomical.

 

It's sad seeing reactionary and fascist elements trying to take over the movement, as has been well documented by Crimethinc here and here; as well as IGD. But there is also a lot to put hope into as is documented by Enough is Enough here and here.


"This movement combines many contradictory elements: horizontally organized direct action, a narrative of being “apolitical,” the participation of far-right organizers, and the genuine anger of the exploited.

Clearly, neoliberal capitalism offers no solutions to climate change except to place even more pressure on the poor; but when the anger of the poor is translated into reactionary consumer outrage, that opens ominous opportunities for the far right."

 

CrimethInc. : The Movement as Battleground : Fighting for the Soul of the Yellow Vest Movement


"Yesterday, the Macron government offered its first concession, delaying the fuel tax for six months. At the same time, protests and police violence around France continue unabated; another day of action has been called for this Saturday, with the authorities promising a massive crackdown in response. The involvement of truck drivers and high school students signals that the story has not yet reached its climax. The model has already spread to Belgium and there are demonstrations called in Germany and Spain. As seems usual these days, no one on any side of the conflict seems to have any strategy in mind except to continue escalating."

 

Throughout modern history there has always been a direct correlation between rising poverty and social unrest, in both 1st and 3rd world countries. I think this is what we are beginning to see.

 

Everyone being french being one of them

 

LOL.....



Cheers Glen.

 

Always an easy target. I have known and actually do know some very nice French people.

 

Vive la France!

 

Many Years Ago I Faintly Recall Knowing One.......Then On Second Thoughts......Maybe Not....



Cheers Glen.

 

(Basically it's the only foreign language I know a bit of, many wonderful holidays from childhood onwards, love the film, art and literature, had two French girlfriends...Need I say moi.)

 

If history is any indication; have a few government officials dressed in Nazi regalia and those protesters will be running for the hills

 

Why are there no French people on HF?

 

Is that the first line of a joke, because I could probably think of one.